The Purpose of the Best Thikr Being Laa Ilaaha Illallaah
Q. A Hadeeth has come to my knowledge and I would like some information regarding this before I pass it on. Rasoolullah sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam is reported to have said: “The best form of Thikr is Laa ilaaha Illallaah”. We notice that Nabi Muhammad sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said “Thikr” and not “Tasbeeh”; we also know that Thikr goes way beyond Tasbeeh. So, does this Hadeeth mean that the best way to remember Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala is to live a life that is in conformity with Laa ilaaha Illallaah? Meaning, to obey Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala in the way shown to us by Nabi Muhammad sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam and not only to confine this Hadeeth to meaning: sitting somewhere and making Tasbeeh of Laa ilaaha Illallaah (which, by all means, is a great act of ‘Ibaadah)? Could you please shed some light on this for me?
Answer: What you have understood from the Hadeeth you have cited is absolutely correct. The whole object of our lives is Thikrullah. It does not behove the Mu-min to be forgetful of the Thikr of Allah Azza Wa Jall at any moment of his/her life. This Thikr embraces the tongue, limbs, heart and mind of the Mu-min. Thus, the Mu-min is required to be engrossed in Thikr either verbally or mentally or practically by engaging in some form of Ibaadat. At all times he/she has to be mindful of the Commandments of Allah Ta’ala. This is actual Thikr. Thus, the Hadeeth of the best form of Thikr being Laa Ilaaha Illallah covers Islam in entirety.
