The one who is [truly] imprisoned is the one whose heart is imprisoned from Allah and the captivated one is the one whose desires have enslaved him.
Ibn TaymiyyahRead
Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) is to the heart as water is to a fish; see what happens to a fish when it is taken out of water
Interpretation
What this quote means
Dhikr is essential for the heart, just as water is vital for a fish's survival.
This quote by Ibn Taymiyyah highlights the importance of remembering Allah (Dhikr) for spiritual sustenance. Just as a fish cannot thrive outside of water, a believer cannot flourish without the continuous remembrance of their Creator, emphasizing the fundamental role of spirituality in human life.
Themes
DhikrRemembranceSpiritualityHeartConnectionFaith
In practice
Example use cases
During a religious gathering to inspire others to engage in Dhikr.
More from Ibn Taymiyyah
All quotes →The sign of the people of bid’ah is that they do not follow the salaf.
Ibn TaymiyyahRead
Whatever is not done by the permission of Allah will not happen, and what is not done for the sake of Allah will not benefit or remain.
Ibn TaymiyyahRead
Remembrance is to the heart what water is to the fish. And what is the state of a fish that leaves water?
Ibn TaymiyyahRead
The more humble, needy, and subdued you are before Allah, the closer you will be to Him.
Ibn TaymiyyahRead
If you do good in secret, Allah will shower His good on you in public.
Ibn TaymiyyahRead
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