9/ Some Etiquettes of Remembrance

We have already discussed the words of Allah, Blessed be He: “Remember your Lord within yourself, with humility and fear, without raising your voice, morning and evening, and do not be among the heedless.” 1 We also explained how this noble verse combines the command to remember Allah with the prohibition of its opposite, namely heedlessness. In addition to conveying this meaning, the verse contains several noble etiquettes with which one who remembers Allah should adorn himself. Among them are the following:

First: Remembrance should be performed within oneself, for concealing it is more conducive to sincerity, more likely to receive a response, and further removed from showing off.

Second: It should be performed with humble entreaty—that is, with abasement, submission, and acknowledgment of one’s shortcomings—so that it embodies the humility of servitude and brokenness before the majesty of Lordship.

Third: It should be performed with fear: fear of being taken to account for shortcomings in one’s deeds and apprehension that they may be rejected and not accepted. Allah Most High says, describing the believers who hasten to good deeds and attain the highest ranks: “And those who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will return to their Lord—it is they who hasten to good deeds and are foremost in them.” 2

It is established in the Musnad and other works that Aisha—may Allah be pleased with her—asked the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—about these people, saying: “O Messenger of Allah, is this the man who commits adultery and steals