The practice of dhikr (remembrance of God) and wirid (regular litanies) stands as a cornerstone of Islamic spirituality, providing a pathway for Muslims to cultivate a deeper connection with the Divine. For many practitioners, these acts of worship are not merely mechanical recitations but profound spiritual journeys requiring a state of readiness, focus, and sincerity. A recurring question among those dedicated to these practices, such as Haji Mansurahmad (55), often revolves around whether there exists a specific, recommended supplication to be recited before embarking on dhikr and wirid, aiming to foster a tranquil heart and articulate tongue. This inquiry delves into the rich tradition of Islamic adab (etiquette) in worship, seeking guidance that enhances the spiritual efficacy of these vital devotions.
The Essence of Dhikr and Wirid: Pillars of Islamic Spirituality
Dhikr, meaning "remembrance" or "invocation," is a central concept in Islam, rooted in numerous Quranic injunctions and Prophetic traditions that encourage believers to constantly remember Allah. It encompasses a wide array of devotional acts, from silent contemplation to vocal recitation of Allah’s names (Asmaul Husna), Quranic verses, and specific phrases like "Subhanallah" (Glory be to Allah), "Alhamdulillah" (Praise be to Allah), "La ilaha illallah" (There is no god but Allah), and "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest). The Quran explicitly states, "O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance" (Quran 33:41), underscoring its importance.
Wirid, often used interchangeably with dhikr in common parlance, refers more specifically to a set of invocations, prayers, and Quranic recitations that are performed regularly, often at prescribed times or as part of a particular spiritual discipline. These litanies can be short and simple or extensive, passed down through generations of scholars and spiritual masters. They often include specific prayers for protection, forgiveness, blessings, and guidance. The consistent practice of wirid is believed to instill discipline, purify the heart, and fortify one’s spiritual resolve. Both dhikr and wirid are considered powerful means of spiritual purification, drawing the practitioner closer to Allah, fostering inner peace, and providing resilience against life’s challenges. Their widespread practice across diverse Muslim communities globally highlights their universal appeal and perceived spiritual benefits. Historically, these practices have been meticulously documented and transmitted through intricate chains of scholarly authority, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and correct methodology.
The Importance of Adab: Enhancing Worship’s Efficacy
In Islam, adab refers to good manners, ethics, and proper conduct. It encompasses a broad spectrum of behaviors, from interpersonal interactions to one’s relationship with God. When applied to acts of worship (ibadah), adab signifies a set of etiquettes and preparations designed to maximize the spiritual benefit and acceptance of the act. These preparations are not mere formalities but are understood as integral components that align the outer action with inner sincerity and presence of heart (hudhur al-qalb). For instance, performing ablution (wudu) before prayer is a physical purification, but it also prepares the worshiper mentally and spiritually. Similarly, dressing modestly, facing the Qibla, and maintaining humility are all aspects of adab that elevate the prayer from a ritualistic movement to a profound communion.
In the context of dhikr and wirid, adab dictates that one approaches these sacred acts with reverence, concentration, and a purified intention. This includes ensuring one’s physical cleanliness, finding a quiet place, and, crucially, preparing the heart and mind. The inclusion of specific preparatory prayers falls squarely within this tradition of adab. Such prayers are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended as they help the practitioner transition from worldly concerns to a state of spiritual readiness, ensuring that the heart is open, the mind is focused, and the tongue is articulate for the remembrance of Allah. This deliberate preparation is believed to prevent dhikr from becoming a mere habit and instead transform it into a conscious and meaningful act of devotion.
Scholarly Guidance: A Recommended Supplication
In addressing the query regarding a recommended prayer before dhikr and wirid, Islamic scholarship offers valuable insights, emphasizing the tradition of adab and the seeking of divine assistance in all spiritual endeavors. Habib Zain bin Sumaith, a revered contemporary scholar and spiritual guide from the Hadrami tradition, provides clear guidance on this matter. In his esteemed work, Al-Nujum Al-Zahirah li Saliki Thariq Al-Akhirah (The Brilliant Stars for Seekers of the Path to the Hereafter), he elucidates an important recommendation attributed to Habib Ahmad bin Hasan Al-‘Aththos. This recommendation underscores the importance of a preparatory supplication to ensure one is both outwardly and inwardly prepared for the remembrance of Allah.
Tracing the Lineage: Habib Ahmad bin Hasan Al-‘Aththos and Habib Zain bin Sumaith
Habib Ahmad bin Hasan Al-‘Aththos (1842-1926 CE / 1258-1344 AH) was a prominent Yemeni Hadrami scholar, Sufi master, and spiritual guide. He belonged to the illustrious Ba ‘Alawi sada (descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through his grandson Husayn), a lineage known for its profound scholarship, piety, and spiritual leadership, particularly in Yemen and Southeast Asia. His teachings emphasized adherence to the Sharia, deep spiritual introspection, and the cultivation of excellent character. He was known for his extensive knowledge, profound wisdom, and deep spiritual insights, influencing countless disciples and scholars during his lifetime and beyond. His recommendations on adab in worship are highly valued within the Ba ‘Alawi tradition.
Habib Zain bin Sumaith, born in 1936, is also a highly respected contemporary Hadrami scholar, jurist, and spiritual educator. He is a prolific author and a leading authority in Islamic jurisprudence, Sufism, and Hadith. His work, Al-Nujum Al-Zahirah li Saliki Thariq Al-Akhirah, serves as a comprehensive guide for those embarking on the spiritual path, drawing extensively from the teachings of earlier Hadrami masters like Habib Ahmad bin Hasan Al-‘Aththos. The transmission of such specific adab through a respected chain of scholars (sanad) lends significant weight to the practice, ensuring its authenticity and grounding in established Islamic tradition. It reflects a continuity of spiritual wisdom passed down through generations.
The Text and Its Profound Meaning
The specific prayer recommended by Habib Ahmad bin Hasan Al-‘Aththos, as cited by Habib Zain bin Sumaith, is a powerful supplication that encapsulates the core needs of a worshiper seeking divine assistance in their spiritual endeavors. The prayer, presented in its Arabic script, Latin transliteration, and English translation, is as follows:
Arabic: رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِنْ لِسَانِي يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي وَسَدِّدْ لِسَانِي وَاهْدِ قَلْبِي بِحَقِّ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
Latin Transliteration: Robbisyrah lii shadrii wa yassir lii amrii wahlul ‘uqdatan min lisaanii yafqahuu qawlii wa saddid lisaanii wahdi qalbii bihaqqi sayyidinaa Muhammadin shallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.
English Translation: "My Lord, expand for me my breast [with assurance], and ease for me my task, and untie the knot from my tongue that they may understand my speech, and straighten my tongue, and guide my heart by the right/privilege of our master Muhammad, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him."
This supplication is rich in meaning, drawing parallels with the prayer of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) as mentioned in the Quran (Surah Taha 20:25-28), reflecting a universal human need for divine assistance in facing significant tasks, whether prophetic missions or personal spiritual journeys.
Deconstructing the Prayer’s Elements
Each phrase within this recommended prayer carries profound spiritual and psychological weight, articulating a comprehensive request for readiness and efficacy in worship.
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Seeking an Open Heart: "Robbisyrah lii shadrii"
The phrase "Robbisyrah lii shadrii" translates to "My Lord, expand for me my breast." In Islamic discourse, the "breast" (sadr) is often understood as the seat of emotions, intellect, and spiritual perception. To ask Allah to expand one’s breast is to seek an opening, a vastness of heart that dispels narrowness, anxiety, doubt, and spiritual constriction. It is a plea for tranquility, serenity, and an inner capacity to receive divine light and wisdom. Before engaging in dhikr, which requires deep contemplation and presence of heart, this request is crucial. A constricted or agitated heart cannot fully engage in remembrance; an open heart, however, is receptive, patient, and filled with assurance, making the spiritual practice more profound and impactful. This spiritual expansion allows the worshiper to overcome spiritual inertia, laziness, and the distractions of the material world. -
Ease in Spiritual Endeavors: "wa yassir lii amrii"
"And ease for me my task" is a universal plea for divine facilitation. In the context of dhikr and wirid, this means asking Allah to remove any obstacles, internal or external, that might hinder one’s consistent and sincere practice. Spiritual journeys are often fraught with challenges, including lapses in motivation, worldly distractions, or a perceived difficulty in maintaining focus. By asking for ease, the practitioner acknowledges their inherent weakness and reliance on Allah’s boundless power. This ease extends to understanding the meanings of the invocations, maintaining istiqamah (steadfastness), and finding joy and fulfillment in the act of remembrance. It implies a request for divine assistance to make the path of devotion smooth and accessible. -
Clarity of Expression: "wahlul ‘uqdatan min lisaanii yafqahuu qawlii wa saddid lisaanii"
This segment of the prayer, "and untie the knot from my tongue that they may understand my speech, and straighten my tongue," directly addresses the functionality of the tongue in verbal dhikr. The phrase "untie the knot from my tongue" is a direct echo of Prophet Moses’s prayer when he was commanded to speak to Pharaoh. For dhikr, it signifies a desire for eloquence, clarity, and precision in pronunciation, ensuring that the words of remembrance are uttered correctly and without hindrance. This not only aids in personal concentration but also ensures that if one is leading dhikr or teaching it, their articulation is clear. "Straighten my tongue" further reinforces this, seeking divine guidance to ensure that the tongue speaks truth, avoids error, and is dedicated to the remembrance of Allah, free from idle chatter or falsehoods. The tongue is a powerful instrument, and its purification and proper guidance are essential for effective spiritual practice. -
Divine Guidance for the Soul: "wahdi qalbii"
The request "and guide my heart" emphasizes the ultimate goal of dhikr: to purify and guide the heart. While the tongue recites, it is the heart that truly remembers and connects with Allah. A guided heart is one that is directed towards truth, righteousness, and sincere devotion. It is a heart that is free from spiritual diseases such as arrogance, envy, and hypocrisy. This part of the prayer acknowledges that true spiritual progress is impossible without Allah’s direct guidance. It is a profound request for inner illumination and alignment with divine will, ensuring that the dhikr is not just an external act but a transformative internal experience. -
The Significance of Tawassul: "bihaqqi sayyidinaa Muhammadin shallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam"
The concluding phrase, "by the right/privilege of our master Muhammad, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him," introduces the concept of tawassul (seeking a means of proximity to Allah). Tawassul through the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a practice deeply rooted in certain Sunni Islamic traditions, particularly within Sufism and among Ahl al-Bayt scholars. It signifies invoking Allah by virtue of the Prophet’s exalted status, his immense honor, and his unique relationship with God. It is not a request to the Prophet, but rather a request to Allah using the Prophet’s unparalleled dignity as a means. This practice reflects deep love, reverence, and acknowledgement of the Prophet’s role as the greatest intercessor and the most beloved of Allah’s creation. By including this, the supplicant expresses humility and hope that their prayer will be more readily accepted due to the immense spiritual standing of Prophet Muhammad. This aspect underscores the importance of the Prophet in the spiritual life of Muslims, serving as a beacon of guidance and a source of blessings.
Beyond Ritual: Psychological and Spiritual Benefits
The practice of reciting a preparatory prayer before dhikr and wirid extends beyond mere ritual; it offers significant psychological and spiritual benefits. From a psychological perspective, engaging in such a prayer fosters mindfulness and intentionality. It serves as a mental cue, shifting one’s focus from daily distractions to the sacred task at hand. This deliberate act of preparation enhances concentration, reduces mental clutter, and primes the mind for a state of deep engagement, akin to mindfulness practices in secular contexts. By articulating desires for an open heart, ease, and clarity, individuals consciously set their intentions, making the subsequent dhikr a more focused and meaningful experience. This can lead to reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, and a greater sense of inner peace.
Spiritually, this preparatory prayer cultivates hudhur al-qalb (presence of heart). It helps in transcending routine and transforming the dhikr from a habitual recitation into a vibrant act of conscious remembrance. By seeking divine aid for specific aspects like an open heart, clear speech, and a guided mind, the practitioner reinforces their reliance on Allah and acknowledges that true spiritual progress is a gift from the Divine. This dependence fosters humility and deepens one’s sense of servitude. Furthermore, the act of tawassul through the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) infuses the prayer with an additional layer of spiritual depth, connecting the individual’s devotion to the broader legacy of Islamic spirituality and the love for the Prophet. This holistic preparation ensures that the dhikr is not just about counting beads or reciting words, but about an intimate communion with the Creator, leading to greater spiritual growth and inner tranquility.
Broader Implications for Contemporary Muslim Practice
The guidance provided by scholars like Habib Zain bin Sumaith regarding preparatory prayers before dhikr and wirid holds significant relevance for contemporary Muslim practice. In an increasingly fast-paced and distraction-filled world, the challenge of maintaining spiritual focus and istiqamah is ever-present. This simple yet profound prayer offers a practical tool for individuals to cultivate a more mindful and effective spiritual life.
The emphasis on adab in worship serves as a timely reminder that spiritual practices are not merely about fulfilling obligations but about engaging in them with reverence, sincerity, and presence of heart. For many, the rhythm of daily life can make dhikr feel rushed or mechanical. Incorporating a short, meaningful prayer before beginning can transform this experience, allowing for a deeper immersion and a more profound sense of connection with the Divine.
Furthermore, this guidance reinforces the importance of traditional Islamic scholarship and the sanad (chain of transmission) in preserving and conveying spiritual wisdom. In an era where information is abundant but often lacks authentic grounding, seeking knowledge from established scholars rooted in legitimate intellectual and spiritual lineages becomes paramount. The example of Habib Zain bin Sumaith transmitting the wisdom of Habib Ahmad bin Hasan Al-‘Aththos highlights the continuity of spiritual mentorship and the enduring value of learning from those who have traversed the spiritual path.
The prayer’s content, focusing on an open heart, ease in tasks, clear speech, and a guided heart, addresses universal human aspirations for peace, clarity, and purpose. These themes resonate deeply with individuals seeking spiritual well-being and a stronger sense of connection in their lives, regardless of their specific spiritual tradition. By fostering a deliberate approach to dhikr and wirid, this recommendation helps practitioners move beyond superficial religiosity towards a more authentic and transformative spiritual journey.
Conclusion: Cultivating a Mindful Path
The inquiry into recommended prayers before commencing dhikr and wirid opens a window into the rich tapestry of Islamic spiritual practice and the profound importance placed on adab. The guidance from revered scholars like Habib Zain bin Sumaith, echoing the wisdom of figures like Habib Ahmad bin Hasan Al-‘Aththos, provides a valuable and time-honored supplication for those seeking to deepen their spiritual engagement. This prayer, "Robbisyrah lii shadrii wa yassir lii amrii wahlul ‘uqdatan min lisaanii yafqahuu qawlii wa saddid lisaanii wahdi qalbii bihaqqi sayyidinaa Muhammadin shallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam," is more than a set of words; it is an invocation for divine assistance in achieving spiritual readiness, mental clarity, and heartfelt sincerity.
By adopting this practice, believers are encouraged to approach their remembrance of Allah with intentionality, seeking an expanded heart, eased affairs, articulate speech, and a divinely guided soul. This deliberate preparation not only enhances the spiritual efficacy of dhikr and wirid but also contributes to greater psychological well-being, fostering mindfulness and inner tranquility in an increasingly complex world. As Muslims continue to seek proximity to the Divine through these sacred practices, the integration of such preparatory prayers offers a path to a more profound, consistent, and truly transformative spiritual experience. It serves as a testament to the enduring depth of Islamic tradition in nurturing the soul and guiding the heart towards its Creator.
