Qalbi Zikr: The living Heart

There are several branches of knowledge or sciences in Islam. All of which have been derived from the Quran, Hadith and Sunnah. Some of these branches of science include Science of Fiqh, Science of Hadith, Science of Tafseer, Science of Tajweed etc

Sufism, also known as Tasawwuf, is also a science in Islam and one who seeks to acquire this knowledge is called a Salik, Mureed, Disciple. Sufism is a spiritual path in Islam which one travels in order to recognize and attain closeness to Allah (swt). Commonly known as Marifut and Qurb of Allah (swt). Treading this path develops the spiritual faculties of man for realization of Divine Realities, the truth. Ultimately, one becomes a Friend of Allah (swt).

Sufism is the path towards Allah (swt) , called Tariqah. The speed at which one travels the path of tariqat results in purification of the heart. This  is based on one's commitment & adherence to

i) Following the Sunnah fervently 
ii) Performing Zikr & Meditation regularly
iii) Sitting in the company of one's Sheikh often.

When one has been purified from all spiritual and character blemishes one will have arrived at Haqiqat. Haqiqat also has various stations.  Once this has been gained true, sincere and complete love of Allah (swt) & His Rasul (saw) will be realised and one will have been blessed with the Qurb (nearness) and Marifat (recognition) of Allah (swt). You will understand you have gained Marifat because it also has varied stations. At this point you will have fulfilled your purpose of life!

Tariqat is the pathway to Allah. To travel on this path the successful Mureed is required to adorn and adopt certain qualities/stations.

Zikr - The most important practise. When starting to practise zikr one should have one's thoughts directed and determined to achieve a desired goal. Zikr only has one true purpose but there are seven paths which lead one to reach the ultimate goal.

The Journey towards the beloved: 

1) Love: For Allah & His Rasul
2) Knowledge: Inner & Outer
3) Peace & Tranquility
4) Purity: Inner & Outer
5) Blessings & Reward
6) Forgiveness & Pardon
7) Success: In this life & the next
8) Spiritual Strength

However train your heart to perform the zikr of Allah perpetually. For Qalbi Zikr, you will be initiated, than your heart will be activated by your teacher . Now concentrate on your heart and repeat the word "Allahu Allahu Allah" mentally within yourslef. (ie not verbally)

Continue to silently do thia zikr from your heart from now onwards. Do this zikr even whilst your eating, drinking, playing and working. There is no restriction of being in a state of purity or not. And if you forget.. don't worry.. when you next remember just start Qalbi zikr again...You should do this zikr even whilst in the bathroom.

So just concentrate on your heart, which is on the upper side on your body, called the heart chakra and continue to read...

Mediatate with the Qalbi Zikr - Mediatation is also called as muraqabah.  If your thoughts wander, don;t worry, keep trying. Soon your thoughts will diminish and your heart will become more active in the remembrance of Allah.....If you do Qalbi zikr starting from now and do it with vigour.. inshAllah your heart will soon become active perpetullay without any further effort! (normally takes only a few days before heart becomes perpetually alive. Times may vary according to effort & state of Qalb.)

Once your heart is alive you will feel your heart "beat" during muraqabah and you should soon, inshAllah hear, with your physical ears, your own heart say "Allah Allah Allah" That is when you will know that your heart is alive!

Then insha Allah you will see your cuircumstances change. Many have seen a great increase in strength to perform good deeds. !