Reviving the Forgotten Sunnah: The Power of Dhikr for Strength and Tranquility

Discover the Forgotten Sunnah: A Path to Strength and Peace Through Dhikr

The story of the beloved daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her), is one that not only highlights her deep devotion to her faith but also teaches us a timeless lesson about reliance on Allah and the forgotten Sunnah that provides immense strength and tranquility in our lives. The narration of this event is found in Sahih al-Bukhari (3113), a source of authentic teachings from the Prophet (ﷺ), which underscores the beauty and wisdom behind his guidance.

Fatimah’s Struggle and Request

Fatimah, the noble daughter of the Prophet (ﷺ), experienced great physical hardship due to her daily chores, particularly the grinding of flour at the hand mill. The repetitive and strenuous nature of this task took a toll on her body, which led her to seek a solution. When she heard that some slave girls, as part of the booty from a recent battle, had been brought to the Prophet (ﷺ), she saw an opportunity to ask for help in the form of a servant. She made her way to the Prophet (ﷺ) but could not find him at home. Fatimah then confided in Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet’s wife, about her need for assistance.

Aisha, understanding Fatimah’s difficulty, relayed the matter to the Prophet (ﷺ) when he returned. Upon hearing this, the Prophet (ﷺ) made his way to the house of Fatimah and Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), where they had already gone to bed. When the Prophet (ﷺ) entered, Fatimah and Ali were about to rise to greet him, but the Prophet (ﷺ) gently asked them to remain in their places. He then laid down with them, and Fatimah felt the coolness of his feet on her chest—a moment that emphasizes the closeness and deep affection between the Prophet (ﷺ) and his family.

A Better Solution: The Power of Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

In a beautiful act of care and wisdom, the Prophet (ﷺ) responded to Fatimah’s request for a servant in a manner that is not only spiritually uplifting but also an invaluable source of strength and tranquility. He asked her: “Shall I tell you a thing which is better than what you asked me for?” Then he instructed Fatimah and Ali to recite the following words before going to bed:

• Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) 34 times
• Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah) 33 times
• SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah) 33 times

The Prophet (ﷺ) assured them that this act of remembrance would be more beneficial than having a servant. This simple, yet powerful, practice of dhikr would not only alleviate their physical burdens but would also bring them peace, tranquility, and strength that far exceeded the help of any worldly servant.

The profound wisdom behind this advice is rooted in the concept that the remembrance of Allah is a source of strength for the soul. It nurtures the heart, brings spiritual ease, and provides the individual with a connection to the divine, which strengthens both physical and emotional resilience.

The Immense Power of Dhikr

The Prophet’s (ﷺ) recommendation to recite specific phrases of dhikr (remembrance) before bed contains immense significance. The numbers—34 times “Allahu Akbar”, 33 times “Alhamdulillah”, and 33 times “SubhanAllah”—are not just symbolic; they are a means of invoking Allah’s greatness, gratitude, and perfection. Each phrase has a unique role:

1. Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greater): This phrase reminds the believer of the infinite greatness and majesty of Allah. It puts everything into perspective, reminding us that no matter what difficulties or challenges we face, Allah’s power is far greater than any worldly burden.
2. Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah): Expressing gratitude for all the blessings we have is an act of worship that opens the doors to more blessings. It reminds us to focus on what we have rather than what we lack, fostering contentment and peace of mind.
3. SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah): This phrase acknowledges the perfection and purity of Allah, free from any imperfection. It serves as a reminder of the divine attributes of Allah, bringing comfort to the believer and reinforcing the idea that Allah is the ultimate source of peace and well-being.

The Forgotten Sunnah and Its Benefits

In today’s fast-paced world, we often overlook the simple, yet powerful, acts of worship that the Prophet (ﷺ) taught his companions. The practice of dhikr, particularly before going to bed, is a forgotten Sunnah that holds immense benefits. In this narration, we see that the Prophet (ﷺ) provided Fatimah and Ali with a solution that would not only ease their physical hardships but also strengthen their hearts and souls.

The benefits of dhikr go beyond the mere recitation of words. It has been shown that remembrance of Allah brings peace to the heart, calms the mind, and grants the believer a sense of protection. The Prophet (ﷺ) himself taught us that engaging in dhikr is an act of spiritual nourishment that helps the soul grow closer to Allah and fortifies the believer against the trials and tribulations of life.

A Lesson for Us All

The story of Fatimah’s request and the Prophet’s (ﷺ) response is a timeless reminder of the power of turning to Allah in times of difficulty. While seeking worldly help is not wrong, the ultimate source of strength lies in our connection with Allah. The forgotten Sunnah of dhikr serves as a reminder that no matter how overwhelming life may seem, the remembrance of Allah is an unparalleled source of comfort and strength.

In times of physical exhaustion, emotional strain, or mental fatigue, we should turn to this beautiful practice of dhikr. Reciting “Allahu Akbar”, “Alhamdulillah”, and “SubhanAllah” brings tranquility, ease, and protection, and it is an effective remedy for both the body and the soul. It is a simple, yet profound, way of remembering that Allah is always near, ready to offer His support and help in our times of need.

Conclusion

As Muslims, we are encouraged to follow the example set by the Prophet (ﷺ) and his family. The story of Fatimah and Ali serves as a reminder that the real strength and solace we seek in this life are found in our relationship with Allah. By embracing the Sunnah of dhikr, we can bring about immense spiritual and physical strength, alleviating the burdens of daily life and drawing closer to Allah’s mercy and protection.

Let us revive this forgotten Sunnah, not just in times of hardship, but as a daily practice that strengthens our faith, brings peace to our hearts, and draws us nearer to the Creator of the heavens and the earth. May Allah grant us the strength to incorporate this beautiful practice into our daily lives and make it a means of gaining His pleasure and blessings.

SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar.