Method of Zikr
Our method is called Pas Anfas,(?) which, in Persian,
means guarding every breath. Zikr is performed with the heart using breath as the
medium. Sit down facing the Qiblah (direction of Mecca; in case the direction is not known then any direction is alright),
fully attentive towards Allah and close your eyes. Recite the Ta’awwuz and
Tasmiah and start the Zikr. When you breathe in, imagine that the word Allah
penetrates the depths of your heart and when you breathe out, the word ‘Hu’ strikes
the heart or the Latifah on which the Zikr is being performed. (The beginners may
only do Zikr on the Qalb). Do Zikr on each Latifah for suitable duration. When all
seven Lata’if have been covered, return to the Qalb. After doing Zikr on it for
some more time, start the meditation. The body should now be relaxed and the mind
set at ease. Concentrate on the Qalb and imagine that the word ‘Allah’ rises
from Qalb and the word ‘Hu’ rises upwards to Allah’s Sublime Throne. This
is the first meditation; it is known as Rabita (contact), it illuminates the Path
for the Ruh and facilitates its flight toward Allah’s nearness in subsequent
meditations.
Remember that no worthwhile progress can be made without the
Tawajjuh (spiritual attention) of a Shaikh, because the Barakah that initiate a
seeker along the Sufi path are transmitted only through him. The Companions got
this blessing from the holy Prophet-saws
and transmitted it to the Taba’in, who in turn passed it on to the Taba Taba’in.
The Aulia (men of God) acquired this wealth of Barakah from them, and it has similarly
been transferred through the generations. Allah willing, this process will
continue forever, and every believer, regardless of race, caste or gender can acquire
these Barakah. Sound beliefs and sincerity are the only prerequisites for this acquisition.
Constant Zikr reforms the heart and initiates the journey from vice to virtue, from
anxiety to contentment and from a lost life to Falah - success in this world and
the Hereafter.
The Method
of Zikr