Question from a Submitter

How and when should I meditate (on God)?

There are no rules for meditation. You are free to mediate and worship God as you wish (17:110).

We actually have an article on meditation that addresses your questions .   We also have a zikr (commemoration of God) page .  You can find mp3 audios of zikr there. We hope it will be useful for you God willing.

To commemorate and remember God, you can lie down (4:103), walk, sing (15:98), think of God as and when you wish and for as long as you wish. However, God also tells us that we cannot always do this (73:20). Sometimes we are more conscious, sometimes less. The idea is to make us conscious, reverent and remember God as much as we can throughout our lives.

While we are free to do meditation any way we like, if we have certain methodology, we should be careful not to make it a rule for others. Rules and habits are very difficult to explain and undo or maintain later.

Meditation can be done anytime. Night time is more effective because there are less preoccupations and distractions.

In the Islamic system the night starts at sunset and ends at sunrise, through dawn.

[7:205] You shall remember your Lord within yourself, publicly, privately, and quietly, day and night; do not be unaware.

[3:191-4] They remember GOD while standing, sitting, and on their sides, and they reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth: "Our Lord, You did not create all this in vain. Be You glorified. Save us from the retribution of Hell....

[3:17] They are steadfast, truthful, submitting, charitable, and meditators at dawn.

[73:2] Meditate during the night, except rarely....

[73:6] The meditation at night is more effective, and more righteous....

[17:79] During the night, you shall meditate for extra credit, that your Lord may raise you to an honorable rank.

[39:9] Is it not better to be one of those who meditate in the night, prostrating and staying up, being aware of the Hereafter, and seeking the mercy of their Lord?…

Ed.’s note: God willing we hope this has answered your questions. Peace and may God bless you. Please do not hesitate to ask questions anytime by email at info@masjidtucson.org