Positive and Negative Zikr: The Two Aspects of Worship
Hazrat Qari Ismail Desai Saheb
Hijri date
Ramadaan 1440
Duration
21:33
Summary
Muslims should consistently engage in ibadah (worship) and istighfar (seeking forgiveness) throughout life, as naturally as they eat daily.
Acknowledging one's mistakes is the first crucial step towards seeking forgiveness from Allah.
Allah's commands are of two types: 'Awaamir' (positive commands, things to do like prayer, charity, kindness) and 'Nawahi' (negative commands, things to abstain from like backbiting or forbidden gazes).
'Positive Dhikr' is fulfilling Allah's commands, while 'Negative Dhikr' is abstaining from what He has prohibited. Both are essential for spiritual balance, akin to positive and negative terminals needed for light.
Abstaining from prohibitions (Nawahi) is often more challenging than performing commands, as it involves a constant struggle (mujahadah) against the nafs (lower self/desires).
The relationship of love with Allah should be maintained even if one repeatedly falters; continuous repentance and seeking forgiveness are encouraged.
The lecture culminates in a fervent prayer, seeking Allah's comprehensive forgiveness for all sins (major, minor, known, forgotten) for oneself, family, and the entire Muslim Ummah, and protection from the evils of the nafs and Shaytan.