The Gardens of Paradise

The Gardens of Paradise

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihi wasallam) said, “When you pass the gardens of Paradise, graze to your heart’s content.” Someone asked, “O Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), what is meant by the gardens of Paradise?” he replied, “Gathering for performing Zikr.”

What is meant is that if somebody is lucky enough to get access to such gathering, he should take full advantage of this, as these are the gardens of Paradise on this Earth. The words, “graze to your heart’s content”, signify that, just as an animal grazing in a green pasture or garden does not give up grazing in spite of being driven or beaten by its owner, similarly a Zakir (one who practices zikr) should not get pulled away from the gatherings for Zikr by the worldly anxieties and hindrances. The gatherings for Zikr are likened to the gardens of Paradise, because just as there are no worries in the paradise, similarly gatherings of Zikr are safeguarded against every kind of calamity.

It is stated in one Hadith that the zikr of Almighty Allah cures all diseases of the mind, such as arrogance, jealousy, malice, etc. the author of ‘Fawaid fis Salaat wal Avaid’ has stated that constancy in Zikr is a sure safeguard against all kinds of calamities. According to another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihi wasallam) has said, “I enjoin in a fort against a strong enemy. One who practices Zikr is as it were in the company of Almighty Allah.” Can there be any benefit greater than that of being in the company of the Almighty Lord? Moreover, it leads to satisfaction of the mind; it enlightens the heart and removes its callousness. In addition, there are many other material and spiritual benefits, which are enumerated, up to a hundred, by some Ulama.

A man came to see Hazrat Abu Amama (Radhiallaho anho) and said to him, “I saw in a dream that whenever you went or came out, or sat or stood up, the angels prayed for you.” Abu Amama (Radhiallaho anho) replied, “if you wish you can also earn their prayers.” and recited the Ayat: “O you who believe! Celebrate the praises of Allah and do this excessively and glorify Him morning and evening. He sends blessings on you, as also his angels that He may bring you out from the depths of darkness into light, and He is full of Mercy to the believers.”

This Ayat was quoted to show that the Mercy of the Almighty Lord and the prayers of the angels can be earned through Zikr. The more we remember Allah, the more He remembers us.

Source: Fadhaail Zikr by Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (Rahimahullah)

Discomfort is a blessing for a believer

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Any type of discomfort that afflicts a believer becomes a means of his status being elevated in the Aakhirah and his sins being forgiven, even if it is a headache or the prick of a thorn” (Bayhaqi, Shu’abul Imaan, Hadith #: 9409, Narrated by Abu Sa’eed)