Counting Zikr with Fingers

Q: Can you please explain the sunnat method of doing zikr with the fingers with proof?

A: It is sunnat to count the tasbeehaat on one’s fingers while making thikr, whether this is done after salaah or at any other time. Hazrat Abdullah bin Amar (radhiyallahu anhu) says that he saw The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) counting the tasbeehaat on his fingers. This hadith is mentioned in Mustadrak of Haakim, Abu Dawood, and Saheeh ibni Hibbaan.

Mufti Siraj Desai

Dua of the Angels

Q: Is there a du'a which if one reads, an angel makes du'a for the reader until the person dies?

A: I have not come across any such dua. But reading aayatul kursi in the morning, followed by the first 3 verses of Surah Ghaafir (Sura 40, in 24 Juz) will earn one the duas of 70,000 angels till nightfall, and if read during the evening, the angels make dua till morning. And Allah knows best

Mufti Siraj Desai

Reciting 40 Durood in a Gathering

Q: What is the position of reciting 40 Durood in a gathering? Should a person recite it individually? Is there a Hadith that supports the fact that the Sahaaba and those after them recited Durood in their gatherings?

A: It is permissible to read durood in a gathering, as it is permissible to make thikr in a gathering. It is reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Beautify your gatherings with salaat upon me”. And Hazrat Ayesha (radhiyallahu anha) once told people: “Adorn your gatherings with salaat upon the Messenger.” These statements are recorded in the book Al-Maqaasidul-Hasanah. In a sound hadith narrated by Imam Bazzar RA it is stated: “Verily Allah has angels who travel around the earth seeking the halqas (circles) of thikr. When they arrive at such gatherings these angels surround them, then they send a report back to Allah The Most Exalted, Lord of Honour, stating: ‘O Our Lord! We came across a group of your servants who were honouring Your Favours, reciting Your Book, and sending salutations upon Your Rasool Muhammad…. Allah then commands: “Envelope them with mercy”. The angels then petition Allah: ‘O Our Rabb! Among them is a certain sinner who only joined them at the end of the gathering; (what about him)? Allah, The Almighty replies: “Envelope him also with My Mercy, for they are such people that whoever joins them will never become wretched.” (Al-Qowlul-Badee’ p.117)

From the above narrations we learn that to read durood in a gathering is a virtuous act that is loved by Allah Ta’ala and was encouraged by Our Rasool (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and his Sahaaba. The forty durood are taken from authentic books of hadith. Therefore, if people read these durood or any other durood in a gathering it is not only permissible but very rewarding and highly encouraged, especially in this day and age when people seldom engage in the thikr of Allah. However, one should not regard this as compulsory and should not condemn those who do not join.

Dua to Overcome Problems

Q: We have an immigration hearing in two months time. Please tell me any dua/wazifa, so that we are successful with Allah's blessing.

A: The best Wazifa is plenty of Du'aa to overcome any problem. Also recite Surah Yaasin. When going for the hearing, recite the following Wazeefa abundantly. When those interrogating you are present, blow towards them once without them being aware of it.

يَا سُبُّوْحُ يَا قُدُّوْسُ يَا غَفُوْرُ يَا وَدُوْدُ

YAA SUBBOOHU YAA QUDDOOSU YAA GHAFOORU YAA WADOODU

May Allah Ta'aala grant you success in all your permissible endeavours. Aameen.

Moulana Yusuf Laher

Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Zikr with Guidance of a Shaikh

Q: Is it necessary to make zhikr under the guidance of a Shaikh?

A: This is not necessary but preferable, for in most cases a qualified and experienced Shaikh will prescribe thikr that is beneficial for the Mureed’s spiritual progress.

Zikr with Drums

Q: Can zikr be made with the accompaniment of drums?

A: We have established from a previous answer that drums are not allowed in any forum except as permitted by the Hadith of Our Beloved Rasool sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. People who claim to be followers of tasawwuf and adopt this form of zikr have actually deviated from the Siraat-e-Mustaqeem. It is haraam to join such gatherings of zikr.

Using a Rosary or Tasbeeh Counter

Q: Is the using of rosary beads or a tasbih counter allowed to keep count of Zikr/Tasbeeh?

A: The use of rosary beads or a counter is permissible. (Raddul Muhtaar, 5:53)Counting of the Tasbeehaat is proven from the Sahaaba radhiallahu anhum. Details of this can be found in the book of Imam Suyooti rahiumahullah, Al Musabbihah 1:1.

Reading Tasbeeh on Fingers

Q: What is the correct option when reading tasbeeh on the fingers; should one use only the right hand or can you use both hands?

A: One is allowed to use both hands, although some books mention preference for using the right hand only. In practice let us do both at different times.