[MM] Ila Munkasarah Qulubuhim / الي المنكسرة قلوبهم

Shaykh Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid’s little book is perhaps one of the most widely-circulated among Muslims today. This is because the topic touches worshippers where it hurts—we know that we often lapse into an automatic sort of prayer when we lose concentration. The Shaykh points out that this loss of concentration really stems from a lack of humility and devotion—in Arabic, khushoo‘. His aim in writing this book is to help us to get back that khushoo‘. His step-by-step approach makes it simple. He gives practical advice and uses the excellent example of the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) to guide us, so that as worshippers, we can truly return to a state of humility and devotion before the Lord.

Allah, The Most High, Said, “The men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” [Al-Ahzab, 35]. He also Said, “O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance, And exalt Him morning and afternoon…” [Al-Ahzab, 41] Al-Bukhari recorded a report from AbuMusa al-Ash’ari (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, “The example of a person who makes dhikr of his Lord and a person who does not, is like that of a living and a dead person.”

Making dhikr (remembrance of Allah) has a lofty place in the Din of Islam and is inherently inscribed in the souls of the believers; for it is from the greatest acts of worship and provides enumerable fruits and benefits in this life and the next.

Dhikr is distinguished with many virtues through its perfect meanings, beautiful phrasings and comprehensiveness that contains depth of meaning and incorporating all types of goodness. Its wordings are concise while reflecting great reward, is easy to remember and pronounce possessing tangible effects on the body and soul.

From such great adhkar the Prophet used to consistently make and encourage others regarding it, is the Hawqala, or the saying of ‘La Hawla wa la Quwwata illa Billah’. This remembrance has merits and virtues none but Allah fully encompasses – the meanings and implications of which, lead to certainty and solace through strengthening ones’ faith and connection with Allah. This special dhikr is of such importance that the author (may Allah preserve him) saw the need to single it out in this short treatise, entitling it, “The Hawqala: Its meanings, virtues, and creedal implications”. It is hoped Muslims will focus their efforts in meaningfully utilising this phrase and making it a regular feature of their every day lives, along with other types of remembrances of Allah.