When Dhikr Leads, Peace Follows

Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle, stuck for years with no way to escape? I have. Those days when exhaustion became your constant companion, yet despite the relentless struggle, you still found fulfillment each day, embracing the sunset with a smile.

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“The Mufarridun have preceded.” When asked, “And who are the Mufarridun, O Messenger of Allah?” he replied, “Those who immerse themselves in the remembrance of Allah; this remembrance removes their heavy burdens from them, until they will come on the Day of Judgement being light (in weight of their burdens).”

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3596)

Looking back, I still don’t fully understand where I found the mental fortitude and physical strength to survive those years, but somehow, I did. While listening to an episode from Ustadh Hisham Abu Yusuf’s ‘Names of Allah’ series, I had a reflective moment when he discussed the Names, ‘Ar-Rabb and Al-Qowiyy’. It was during this moment of reflection that I understood where my true strength had come from and how my Rabb had carefully guided me to solace during those difficult years.

لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّهُ نَفۡسًا إِلَّا وُسۡعَهَاۚ

Allāh does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. [Al-Baqarah 2:286]

At first, I dreaded going to work. There was always something done wrong, and it seemingly fell on me to fix it. I was never one to seek out responsibilities; I would avoid them at all costs, cherishing my peace and sanity. However, Allah had other plans for me. He placed me in the very responsibility I had once dreaded. I needed to find a way to make the hours bearable, so I turned to Dhikr. In a world where many seek escape through substances like food, music, or drugs, I found my refuge in Allah. Not only did I discover my escape, but I also found a sense of peace and purpose I had never known.

Every morning, I listened to my “Morning Adkhar” from my phone speakers. Since I didn’t have time to read it before leaving the house, I simply listened. Over time, it became an anthem for both the staff and patients associated with me. Eventually, I started sharing it with anyone searching for a glimpse of bliss on earth.

I wrestled with my Nafs, desperately trying to maintain this habit. Similarly, in the evenings after Asr, I would play the evening Adkhar. Before I knew it, I had memorized both. What made this practice even more meaningful was my effort to comprehend the words. On days when I read directly from the text, I would attempt to translate some of the phrases. This way, I wasn’t just reciting words, I was gaining a deeper understanding of their meanings.

In Surah Ash-Sharh 94:4-8

وَرَفَعۡنَا لَكَ ذِكۡرَكَ. فَإِنَّ مَعَ ٱلۡعُسۡرِ يُسۡرًا. إِنَّ مَعَ ٱلۡعُسۡرِ يُسۡرࣰا. فَإِذَا فَرَغۡتَ فَٱنصَبۡ. وَإِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَٱرۡغَب.

And raised high for you, your repute. For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease [i.e., relief]. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing.

Through this routine, I worked, worshipped, and found an unshakable sense of peace and resilience that carried me through my trials. The words felt like a balm to my soul, lifting my spirit and helping me navigate life’s challenges with grace.

This gave me the strength to smile through my days. People often wondered how I managed to work so hard and still wear a smile all day. At first, I didn’t think much about it, but their constant comments made me reflect I have Allah.

Each morning, I embraced His Decree with unwavering faith. If it was a busy day, I’d whisper to myself, “Allah knows best.” If it was calm, I would give thanks. Knowing Allah was with me turned even the hardest days into opportunities for trust and gratitude.

This mindset gave me the resilience to navigate the highs and lows of life, grieve losses, manage difficult patients, and endure the demands of a challenging boss. I would often remind myself: “There’s no use brooding over what you cannot change. Instead, find a way to make the best out of it. How can today be for you, not against you, on the Day of Judgment?”

I immersed my mornings in the light of dhikr and enveloped my evenings in its soothing embrace. There were days when the workload felt overwhelming, and tears threatened to fall, but I found strength in knowing that each day was spent in positivity and worship.

It wasn’t a smooth ride, but by Allah’s mercy, I truly survived. I would tell myself: “No matter how chaotic a day is, the sun will set.” I found myself amidst the trials, tears, and pain, all by Allah’s infinite mercy.

No matter how bleak today feels, connect your heart and limbs to Allah. I can’t fully describe how relief comes; I can only invite you to experience it too.

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَتَطۡمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِۗ أَلَا بِذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطۡمَئِنُّ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ

Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allāh. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allāh hearts are assured. (Q13:28)

Support Our Mission