NB I highly recommend that you look at the drop-down ‘Using Zikr – Mantras’ (under menu point: about prayer and meditation) before reviewing this article. I will use the name Zikr in this article, as it is the traditional word used by Sufis.
Introduction
Sufis have always worked with these names to create a greater connection and understanding of the subtle & deeper realms. They also work as a simple and humble approach to the Divine through using them as prayers or through study and contemplation.
The idea to translate this came from a practical need. Many of you are working with your prayers & meditation and have asked for some assistance for various reasons:
- some because you lose concentration during meditation/ prayer on your own;
- some because you have specific aspects of what you want to focus on;
- some because you want something that feels more prayerful while working with higher alignment
- some because you yearn for a way to open the door between you and the ‘Unity of Being’ (which is what ‘Allah’ or ‘the Divine’ refers).
- Also because of the upcoming retreat, I thought many of you may find this helpful.
I do have some concern. it stems from how reactive we can all tend to be when hearing of certain religious / spiritual phrases or concepts. Modern westerners are highly concerned about rights & freedom and rightly so. But many of us would like the Divine to ‘play by our rules’. And understandably, we are averse to oppression & a types of ‘control’ & ‘blind acceptance’ that many of us have experienced from organised religion.
On the other hand; we fear the idea of being held accountable for all of who we are: both ignorant & transcendent. I even wonder if we ever contemplate what it means to be accountable? -we are able to account for! What does this say about our true (transcending) self? We are often so afraid that we are stuck with ourselves – assuming we are not good enough (and then hide in subtle games of superiority, inferiority or rebellion.)
So, take or leave this; as you will. Please remember; this is not an attempt to ‘preach’ or promote Sufism over Bhuddism or Christianity or Secular agnosticism. It is simply an invitation to be pulled to Zikr/Mantras that will open inner channels for guidance and help.
Creating a Zikr for yourself; when you need
Any of the Names can be translated into a Zikr or Prayer. One way of doing this is to use the name of the Divine and then add the specific Aspect that meets your sense of need.
- Get to know the Names…. See what touches you but give yourself a chance to go through them all – not rushing.
- You can use the Name Allah as a zikr: Allah, Allah, Allah – *
- Another version of this zikr is ‘Allahu’, Allahu’, Allahu’. (emphasis on the last syllable). This zikr is for cleaning and purifying the Heart. For Sufis, like Buddhists, there are five poisons that pollute the heart. They are of the nafs (personality nature) and obstruct the person from keeping the heart open. The poisons are: ignorance, pride, anger, greed, jealousy.
- When you feel attracted, then you can add the Name of Allah to the chosen Name or Aspect of Allah. For example, if I wanted guidance from the Teacher(s) more, my zikr may be: ‘Allah, Allah, Allaar Rashid’ or ‘Allah, Allah, Allaal Wali’.
If I felt very blocked and was looking for Life to show me a way through, I might choose: ‘Allah, Allah Allaal Fattah’. If I felt the need for comfort and greater faith my mantra may be ‘Allah, Allah Allaal Mu’min.’ When I ask for forgiveness (or I need to be shown how to forgive another) I may use ‘Allah, Allah Allaal Ghaffar’. Etc… See heading ‘…prefer Judaic or Christian format.’
5. If I wanted to use my Mala (Tasbih or Rosary), I would say the zikr with each bead. For example; Allah, Allah, Allah, or Allahu’, Allahu’, Allahu’ (or any other Name) with each bead.
6. Many of you are likely to find that using your Mala with a zikr will help create a line of support between you and the Teacher(s).
For those who would prefer a Judaic or Christian format
- The Jewish religion has a similar component as Sufism; almost identical in many cases. It is called Kabbalah. In the esoteric kabbalistic tradition there are 72 Names of the Divine.** These names pre-date the Islamic names by several hundred years. Not surprising, once converted to Arabic, many names have same or similar meanings.
- So, for Christians, a good way to create a meaningful zikr is to use the words of Yeshua bar Yehosef (Jesus) when he called to the Divine: Abba, Abba, Abba, then use the Name that suits you. Also, for Christians, there is a wealth of mantras that are used in the Latin Mass as well as by nuns and monks and seekers who are in retreat and/or have sought regular prayer time as a way of opening the heart for a direct-connection to the Divine. A few of these Latin mantras are listed in the article: Using Zikrs and Mantras. It is a ‘drop-down’ under the menu point: About Prayer and Meditation.
A few things about the contemplation and translation of these Names:
- This articulation of the 99 Names is very dependent on the commentary of Sheikh Nazim Adil al-Qubrusi al-Haqqani who was given insight of these names from his teacher Grandsheikh Abdulla al-Faizi ad-Daghstani. Sheikh Nazim was the Grandsheikh of the Naqshbandi Haqqani Sufi Order. He passed in 2014.
- When you contemplate the Names be patient about what you may feel is repetition in names & meanings. These names cover many layers and realms and there is far more to them that what we will initially understand. Greater understanding occurs as we tread further on the path of humility, simplicity, heartfulness.
- When you study/ contemplate these Names, be mindful of your own upbringing and prejudices. If you are to enter into this World; open the heart and mind. Let it show you. Don’t get trapped in traditional post-Christian trigger words like ‘guilt’ and ‘punishment’ etc…
- The Baba in the Jitra Makaam was a Sufi of the Naqshbandi Tariqat in his last incarnation on earth. Once one becomes a Master on the other side; religious associations are unimportant. Truth & Love and the job at hand, are more important than all else.
- “it is not important to carry the title of being a Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist or Jew – the only important thing is to know your Lord. Wrong directions you may find through all of them. You must leave every title or claim to be something.” – Sheikh Nazim Adil
- Sufis use the 99 Names as a way of personal development in itself.
- Do not read too much at once. Take small bites and chew slowly. The Names are very rich food.
- The purpose is not to become a Sufi. The purpose of our work (and this article) is to help one become a true human being through connection: seeing & knowing the true nature of
- personality self,
- transcendent Self,
- & our unification with the Divine.
- Trust whatever spiritual path you are drawn to; even the path of trial & error until something deeper takes place.
Always remember these Names are Alive
From the Sufi point of view, these Names are the outer manifestations of the Being that IS the varying aspects of one Living Reality: the Unity of Being – or the Divine. It is very easy to turn all this into a technique and not bring in the humbleness, simplicity and sincerity of the heart; regardless of how apparently difficult or cut-off we may be feeling.
Learn to associate your effort with these zikrs in a personal way. Realise that working with sincerity of heart, is exercising your Faith & Trust that you are loved and belong to the Unity of Being. This effort, made by you, is really the exercise of your will over the illusion of ego and personality attachment.
A Poem for those who do prayers & mantras & zikrs
Humans and angels all exist
because of S/Her Love.
Show your devotion that opens the door
for the blessings of that Love
Sincerely,
R. Dalton-Rieck
*in the book: Sufism: ‘the Transformation of the Heart’; Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee writes informatively and heartfully about the zikr: Allah, Allah, Allah
**the Esoteric Kabbalistic 72 Names of the God can be found on the internet.