Remembrance of Allah — Page 51
Precautions & Proper Times for Dhikr 51 Accordingly, he continued doing the maximum allowed, but in his old age he regretted that he had pledged to the Holy Prophet s as that he would go on doing so all his life, albeit no longer being able to [in his old age]. Thus, going to extremes places one in a predicament. Dhikr is indeed a very good thing but, look, just like too much pilaf will upset the stomach, sim- ilarly, to go on increasing dhikr to the extent that it becomes such a burden upon the soul, will cause it to become averse to it. So, burden yourself gradually and only as much as can be tolerated. 3. The third precaution that should be exercised is that if initially one is not inclined to attend to the — still steeling one’s heart—man should keep engaging in it and firmly resolve that he will indeed complete it and hold the intention that no matter how much force Satan brings to bear on the matter, he will never give in to his bidding. If a person resolves to carry things out this way, then he can persuade his own disposition to come around. It is said that Roy Tacon was a famous lawyer who once came to face an opposing lawyer who feared that Tacon would win the case. This lawyer employed a clever stratagem. While speaking with the magistrate, he said that it is the claim of Tacon that he can win over any magistrate no matter how clever he may be. Upon hearing this, the magistrate made up his mind that he would not accept whatever Roy Tacon would say. Thus, when the trial started, the magistrate would deny every submission that Tacon would make. Ultimately, he indeed gave a verdict in favour of the other lawyer. Thus, when