TLDR;
This video explores the significance of prayer and remembrance of God (zikr) in Islam, particularly focusing on the book "El Kulubu'd Daria" (The Pleading Hearts) by Fethullah Gulen. It emphasizes the importance of integrating prayer into daily life, drawing from the Quran, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the practices of revered Islamic figures. The video encourages viewers to prioritize prayer, seek closeness to God, and utilize resources like "El Kulubu'd Daria" to enrich their spiritual lives.
- Importance of integrating prayer into daily life
- Drawing from the Quran, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad
- Encourages viewers to prioritize prayer and seek closeness to God
Introduction [0:00]
The speaker begins with a prayer, expressing the desire for both eloquent expression and profound understanding. He references a hadith (saying of the Prophet Muhammad) about how increased knowledge without corresponding improvements in actions and piety only increases one's distance from God. The speaker seeks refuge from knowledge that doesn't translate into good deeds and asks for increased knowledge, action, sincerity, and trustworthiness, aiming to be a person of prayer.
The Importance of Dua (Prayer) and Evrad-ı Ezkar (Daily Recitations) [6:56]
The discussion centers on the role of prayer in organizing and enriching our lives, particularly through "Evrad-ı Ezkar." The speaker emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Quran and the Sunnah (Prophet's practices) as primary sources. He recalls a statement by Fethullah Gulen about defending Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the way that he taught. The speaker highlights a verse from the Quran (Surah Zariyat, 51:56) stating that humans and jinn were created to worship God, interpreting "worship" as "dua" (prayer). He also references other verses emphasizing the importance of supplication and sincere prayer.
Quran as a Book of Dua [11:07]
The Quran is described as a book of prayer, starting with seeking refuge in God (Euzu) and the name of Allah (Basmala). The speaker mentions Surah Al-Fatiha as the most beautiful prayer in the Quran, capable of bringing healing. He also mentions Rabbana Atina dua which is frequently recited. The speaker emphasizes that the Quran begins and ends with prayers, highlighting its essence as a book of dua, zikr (remembrance), and evrad (daily recitations).
The Significance of Dua in Sunnah [14:48]
The speaker transitions to the importance of dua in the Sunnah, noting numerous hadiths about prayer. He mentions a hadith stating that dua is the essence of worship and that nothing is more honorable to Allah than dua. The speaker points out that Allah becomes angry with those who do not ask of Him, emphasizing the importance of turning to God, especially during times of calamity. He describes Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a "dua insanı" (person of prayer), whose life was filled with prayer.
The Practices of Allah's Friends (Evliyaullah) [19:35]
The lives of Allah's friends are presented as being full of dua and evrad-ı ezkar, referencing sources like "El Kulubu'd Daria" and "Mecmuatül Ahzab." The speaker highlights Bediüzzaman Said Nursi and Fethullah Gulen as examples, noting their dedication to prayer. He emphasizes that the Quran and Sunnah guide us to dua, and the lives of Allah's friends exemplify this practice.
Introduction to El Kulubu'd Daria [21:20]
"El Kulubu'd Daria" is introduced as a key resource, compiled around 2004-2005, intended as a reference book for those devoted to the Hizmet movement. The speaker discusses its contents, including prayers from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), categorized into general prayers, morning and evening prayers, and prayers for specific situations. He mentions "Mecmuatül Ahzab" by Gümüşhaneli Ahmed Ziyaeddin as a source for many of the prayers in "El Kulubu'd Daria," noting the extensive effort in editing and compiling the book.
The Compilation and Significance of El Kulubu'd Daria [24:47]
The speaker emphasizes the meticulous care taken in the redaction, addition, and layout of "El Kulubu'd Daria," making it a highly esteemed dua book. He shares that Fethullah Gulen selected prayers from "Mecmuatül Ahzab" during a Ramadan, considering them essential for those in service. The speaker quotes Gulen on Bediüzzaman Said Nursi's constant use of "Mecmuatül Ahzab," reciting it every fifteen days.
The Contents and Structure of El Kulubu'd Daria [27:49]
The speaker details the contents of "El Kulubu'd Daria," including istighfar (seeking forgiveness), tesbihat (glorifying God), tahmid (praising God), takbir (proclaiming God's greatness), tahlil (declaration of God's oneness), niyaz (supplications), kasideler (odes), naats (poems praising Prophet Muhammad), münacats (intimate prayers), Esmaül Hüsna (the beautiful names of Allah), and salat-u-salams (blessings on Prophet Muhammad). He notes that the book includes prayers from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to Islamic figures up to Fethullah Gulen, arranged chronologically.
The Story Behind El Kulubu'd Daria [30:31]
The speaker shares the story of how "El Kulubu'd Daria" was compiled, recounting Fethullah Gulen's desire for a more accessible version of "Mecmuatül Ahzab." Gulen selected prayers during a Ramadan, and a team worked to redact and publish the book. The speaker notes that while early editions had revisions, the book has remained largely unchanged in recent years.
Reasons to Read El Kulubu'd Daria [31:59]
The speaker provides several reasons to read "El Kulubu'd Daria," emphasizing that dua is the essence of worship. He suggests that reading the book can prevent disorganization in one's prayer life, comparing it to completing a khatm (complete recitation) of the Quran. The speaker stresses the importance of consistent, even if small, acts of worship.
Integrating Evrad-ı Ezkar into Daily Life [35:52]
The speaker advises that engaging with evrad-ı ezkar should be an integral part of daily life, enriching it with 2-3 hours of dedicated time. He suggests incorporating it with prayers, tesbihat, and other forms of zikr. The speaker encourages self-reflection and seeking forgiveness for not doing more, while acknowledging the limitations of human capacity.
Self-Reflection and Muhasebe (Accountability) [37:36]
The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, sharing anecdotes about Islamic figures who deeply scrutinized their actions and intentions. He references Imam Azam's lament about increasing sins and Imam Sharani's concern about not contributing enough to the religion. The speaker connects this to Fethullah Gulen's teachings on fearing one's end and striving for a life of worship.
The Importance of Dua in Hizmet (Service) [40:01]
The speaker highlights the significance of dua for those engaged in hizmet (service to Islam), emphasizing that it is essential for those striving in the path of Allah. He notes that the amount of evrad-ı ezkar should correspond to one's responsibilities. The speaker cautions against making excuses for neglecting prayer due to busyness, urging listeners to examine how they spend their time.
Purifying the Heart and Soul Through Dua [43:36]
The speaker explains that engaging in dua helps purify the heart and soul, cleansing them from the impurities encountered in daily life. He compares this to cleaning the mind with knowledge from the Quran and hadith. The speaker also notes that the current times of hardship and calamity make dua even more essential, referencing specific prayers for epidemics.
Benefits of Reading El Kulubu'd Daria [46:26]
The speaker lists additional benefits of reading "El Kulubu'd Daria," including praying for all believers, remembering past scholars, and reviving forgotten prayers. He emphasizes that these prayers are not widely recited, making their revival through "El Kulubu'd Daria" particularly significant. The speaker compares the book to a source of nourishment for the spiritual anatomy.
The Source of Bediüzzaman's Success [48:25]
The speaker shares an anecdote about a scholar who, upon seeing Bediüzzaman Said Nursi's "Mecmuatül Ahzab," realized the source of his profound insights and success: a deep connection with Allah. The speaker emphasizes that a strong relationship with God is essential for success in hizmet.
How to Read El Kulubu'd Daria [49:41]
The speaker suggests various ways to read "El Kulubu'd Daria," including forming groups to complete it together or reading it individually. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and niyaz (supplication). The speaker also mentions the availability of a translation, which can aid in understanding the prayers.
Utilizing the Translation of El Kulubu'd Daria [51:25]
The speaker discusses how to use the translation of "El Kulubu'd Daria," suggesting that those who understand Arabic can refer to it when needed, while others can read the Arabic and Turkish versions together. He notes that even reading the translation alone is beneficial.
Hz. Ali's (RA) Dua in El Kulubu'd Daria [54:01]
The speaker shares a prayer from Hz. Ali (RA) found in "El Kulubu'd Daria," in which he asks Allah for a heart that is constantly yearning and pleading. The speaker suggests that the name "El Kulubu'd Daria" may have been inspired by this prayer.
Conclusion [54:46]
In conclusion, the speaker reiterates that "El Kulubu'd Daria" is a valuable treasure, gifted by Fethullah Gulen, and encourages listeners to benefit from it. He expresses hope that the discussion will inspire greater engagement with dua and evrad-ı ezkar. The speaker acknowledges the challenges faced by people around the world and emphasizes the need for increased prayer. He concludes with a prayer for acceptance, protection, and the removal of obstacles, wishing for health, guidance, and the end of the pandemic.
![[Calvin University] Reading and Writing 1-1](https://wm-img.halpindev.com/p-briefread_c-10_b-10/urlb/aHR0cDovL2ltZy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS92aS9pX1N2b2prcVNCdy9ocWRlZmF1bHQuanBn.jpg)
