On Day 5 of our Remembrance Tour, Smethwick witnessed a moving gathering of dhikr (remembrance) and hadrah (spiritual chanting), led by Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi. This evening was filled with the heartfelt invocation of the Name of Allah, drawing the community together in a profound act of worship and reflection.
Shaykh al-Yaqoubi began with a powerful recitation, emphasizing the importance of gratitude (shukr) in our daily lives. Reflecting on the teachings of Imam Al-Qushayri, he reminded us that true gratitude to Allah is the key to unlocking further blessings. “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour],” the Quran promises.
The Shaykh also highlighted that gratitude can be expressed in three ways: through the tongue, by speaking words of thanks; through actions, by using blessings of Allah in His service; and through the heart, by feeling genuine appreciation for favours of Allah. He encouraged everyone to recognise and thank Allah for every blessing, big or small, as this strengthens our connection with Him.
The gathering also delved into the names of Allah, such as Al-Ghafoor (The Forgiving) and Al-Shakoor (The Appreciative), which offer spiritual remedies and uplift our hearts during difficult times. Shaykh al-Yaqoubi emphasised the importance of invoking these names in our prayers to find comfort and healing.
The evening concluded with a powerful reminder of the importance of Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah) in every aspect of our lives. Reflecting on the natural world around us is a simple yet profound way to recognise the existence and greatness of Allah, as even the simplest of His creations point to His eternal presence.
As we continue on this spiritual journey, the Remembrance Tour will be concluding tonight in Bradford with the Grand Finale. We invite everyone to join Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi for an evening of faith, reflection, and community. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your connection with Allah and experience the transformative power of remembrance.
For more details and to register for upcoming events, visit: https://bit.ly/evening-of-remembrance-tour.