al-Uns bi Dhikr Allah
- Author died
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- Editions
- Maktabat Suq al-Akhirah
al-Uns bi Dhikr Allah (Intimacy with the Remembrance of Allah) is a devotional work on Islamic supplications and remembrances of God (adhkār), compiled and arranged by the contemporary Egyptian preacher Muhammad Husayn Yaqub .
Purpose and Scope
The work is designed as an instructional and motivational manual rather than a mere catalog of texts . The author states that his intention was to move beyond simply reciting formulas to fostering understanding (fahm), contemplation (tadabbur), and regular practice, allowing the believer to experience spiritual closeness and solace (al-uns) through divine remembrance .
Methodology
In compiling the book, the author adheres to several methodological guidelines:
- Authenticity of Narrations: The author commits to citing only authentic prophetic traditions (ḥadīth ṣaḥīḥ), ensuring that practitioners can rely with confidence on the texts provided .
- Instructional Commentary: Rather than presenting isolated invocations, each remembrance is accompanied by its underlying prophetic report to explain its reward and spiritual weight, supplemented with concise introductory or concluding remarks intended to stimulate diligence and resolve .
- Adherence to Prophetic Precedent: The book emphasizes adhering strictly to transmitted prophetic wordings (al-alfāẓ al-maʾthūrah) over innovated or fabricated formulas, citing the principle that acts of worship are divinely stipulated (tawqīfiyyah) .
Contents and Themes
The introductory portion of the book examines the theological and spiritual dimensions of remembrance:
- Significance and Fruits of Dhikr: The author discusses remembrance as the life of the heart, a fortress against demonic whispers, and the polishing of spiritual rust caused by heedlessness and sin . He highlights that constant remembrance characterizes true believers, whereas scarce remembrance is a trait of hypocrisy .
- Categories of Remembrance: The book outlines multiple varieties of dhikr, including:
- Praising God by His names and attributes (inshāʾ al-thanāʾ) .
- Affirming truths regarding His divine attributes and actions (al-khabar ʿan al-Rabb) .
- Recalling His commands, prohibitions, and legal rulings .
- Recounting His blessings and bounties (dhikr al-ālāʾ wal-inʿām) .
- Supplication and seeking forgiveness (al-duʿāʾ wal-istighfār) .
- Mindful vigilance (dhikr al-riʿāyah), such as maintaining awareness of God's watchful presence .
- Manners and Degrees: The text distinguishes three degrees of remembrance: by tongue and heart together (the highest form), by heart alone, and by tongue alone, urging practitioners to strive continuously for heartfelt presence (ḥuḍūr al-qalb) .
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