Question:
i find that i am repeating Allah hu Samad in my heart much of the time especially find myself doing this as i awake and at times of stress or difficultly. i have heard that too much Zikr of any particular name without permission could be harmfull. please explain
Answer:
That is an excellent state to have been gifted involuntary dhikr of the heart. It cannot harm you for dhikrullah may be made as much as possible and can only benefit, as Allah swt said:
ala bi dhikrillah tatma’inn-al-quloob,without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.(ar-Ra`d, 13:28)
ya ayyuhalladheena amanu idhkurallaha dhikran kathira, O ye who believe! Celebrate the praises of Allah, and do this often; (al-Ahzab, 33:41)
to cite Shaykh Hisham Kabbani, in his Encyclopedia of Islamic Doctrine:
Dhikr of Allah is the most excellent act of Allah’s servants and is stressed over a hundred times in the Holy Qur’an. It is the most praiseworthy work to earn Allah’s pleasure, the most effective weapon to overcome the enemy, and the most deserving of deeds in reward. It is the flag of Islam, the polish of hearts, the essence of the science of faith, the immunization against hypocrisy, the head of worship, and the key of all success.There are no restrictions on the modality, frequency, or timing of dhikr whatsoever. The restrictions on modality pertain to certain specific obligatory acts which are not the issue here, such as Salat. The Shari`a is clear and everyone knows what they have to do. Indeed, the Prophet said that the People of Paradise will only regret one thing: not having made enough dhikr in the world! Are not those who are making up reasons to discourage others from making dhikr afraid of Allah in this tremendous matter?
…The Prophet (s) said: “If your hearts were always in the state that they are in during dhikr, the angels would come to see you to the point that they would greet you in the middle of the road.” (Muslim narrated it.)
From the teachings of the Naqshband shaykhs, Allahu as-Samad is a protection from anger.
w ‘Allahu `alam,
Taher Siddiqui
