The first method is that whenever we get a chance to meet our co-religionists, instead of vain and vulgar talk, we should talk about the powers of Allah the Exalted, His glory, His favours, and mention His Signs. In this way the heart is purified and a most holy influence is exerted upon the soul.
It is narrated from the Holy Prophet (sas) that once he came out of his home and saw that some people were engaged in Prayer in the mosque while some others were sitting in a circle discussing matters of faith. The Holy Prophet (sas) went and sat with the group that was sitting in the circle and said that that was better than what the other people were doing. From this it is learnt that sometimes proclaiming the remembrance of Allah is better than His remembrance in private. I said sometimes because that form of remembrance too is essential at its own time, but yes, when people are gathered together, at that time, proclamation of Allah’s remembrance is beneficial because through it, by listening to the experiences of other people and by communicating one’s own experiences to them, much opportunity is availed to profit oneself and to be of benefit to others. And at such times to engage in dhikr by oneself may become the cause at times for sanctimony. Exposition of the meanings of the Holy Quran is also included in these types of dhikr. Similarly, to give sermons and addresses to one’s co-religionists about the Faith is also included in this.
The second type of this dhikr is the one that is done in the gatherings of the opponents. All religions other than Islam are guilty by way of adding somewhat to, or subtracting somewhat from, the attributes of Allah the Exalted. Thus, to manifest before them the true eminence and majesty of Allah the Exalted, is also a form of dhikr. Allah the Exalted says in Surah al-Muddaththir:
—Surah al-Muddaththir, 74:2–41
