There was once a wife whose husband left home on a business trip. He ventured overseas for two weeks during which he had a busy schedule to follow, meeting various manufacturers and suppliers.

However, despite the vast distance, and despite his full schedule, he phoned his wife and sent her a few messages at least once a day. During the trip, he even arranged for a small bouquet of flowers, wrapped with ribbons and accompanied by a small box of chocolates, to be delivered to her at home.

On receiving the daily phone call and messages, his wife was filled with joy and happiness. Likewise, on receiving the flowers, she was absolutely delighted. Never did she once look at the number of words in the message, nor at the value of the flowers or type of chocolates in the box.

Rather, what mattered was that her husband did not forget her – and it was this that meant the most to her.

Now, imagine the opposite scenario, where the husband gave her the silent treatment. He communicated with everyone else, but completely ignored her. How would such a wife feel? Obviously, she would feel as though he has no love or regard for her whatsoever, hence he could not even take out a few minutes to remember her.

In the very same way, the bond and relationship which every believer has with his Rabb is one of love. When the bond and relationship is one of love, then the demand of love is that we should remember our Beloved Allah Ta‘ala at all times. Remembering our Beloved Allah at all times indicates that the love is deep, true and sincere, while forgetting our Beloved Allah indicates that the relationship is not based on true love. Perhaps it is based on convenience, and hence we only remember our Rabb when it suits us.

In the Quraan Majeed, Allah Ta‘ala says, “Remember Me, and I will remember you…” (Surah Baqarah v152) Thus, if we only remember Allah Ta‘ala from time to time, when it suits us, then how do we expect Allah Ta‘ala to remember us at all times by continuously showering His special mercy upon us, coming to our aid in our hour of need, blessing us with barakah (blessings) in our lives, etc?

When we speak of ‘remembering Allah Ta‘ala’, then often, it is engaging in zikr, reciting the Quraan Majeed or some other form of verbal zikr that comes to mind. However, though these are forms of zikr, the term zikr is not restricted to the worship of the tongue. Rather, true zikr is for one to remain in the obedience of Allah Ta‘ala at all times – and this is what is meant by ‘remembering Allah Ta‘ala’.

In the blessed hadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “The one who obeys Allah has remembered Allah, even though his (nafl) salaah, (nafl) fasts, and recitation of the Quraan may be little, and the one who disobeys Allah has indeed forgotten Allah, even though his (nafl) salaah, (nafl) fasts, and recitation of the Quraan may be abundant.” (Az-Zuhd – Ibnul Mubaarak – Zawaaid of Nu‘aim bin Hammad #70)

There are many people who are particular about their Deen throughout the year. They remain punctual upon performing their salaah correctly, maintaining strict purdah, avoiding places of vice, etc. However, as soon as the holidays commence, they relax their standards. They become lax in obeying Allah Ta‘ala, and also feel lazy to recite the Quraan Majeed, engage in zikr etc.

How does this conduct reflect on their relationship with their Rabb? Are they more like the devoted husband who – no matter what – never forgets his wife, or are they like the husband who only remembers her when it suits him?

If we remember Allah Ta‘ala, it will not benefit or help Him in any way, as He is completely independent of the entire creation. Rather, remembering Him is for our benefit. The more we remember Him, the more He will remember us, and the more successful we will be in this world and the next.