What is the most effective force that protects a believer from heedlessness, blesses his life, and directs him to righteous deeds?
Abdullah bin Busr -may Allah be pleased with him- narrates:
THE VIRTUE OF CONSTANT DHIKR
Two bedouins came to the Messenger of Allah –peace and blessings be upon him– to ask questions. One of them said:
“O Messenger of Allah! Who among people is better?” The Prophet –peace and blessings be upon him– replied:
“He whose life is long and whose deeds are righteous.” The other one said:
“O Messenger of Allah! The rulings of Islam have become numerous, so tell me about an action to which I can adhere.” The Prophet –peace and blessings be upon him– replied:
“Let your tongue always be moist with the remembrance of Allah.” (Ahmed, IV, 188)
As commanded by the Messenger of Allah –peace and blessings be upon him–, a believer’s constant state of dhikr will lead to increased obedience and submission to Allah’s commands and prohibitions because it protects him from heedlessness and forgetfulness. In other words, dhikr is also a spiritual reinforcement and source of grace that increases believers’ inclination towards fulfilling religious obligations.