Practical Theology

Practical Theology

Frequent remembrance and divine companionship: An approach in practical theology to recreate a lifestyle

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Postdoctoral Researcher in Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Quranic and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
This research aims to elucidate the concept of "Abundant Remembrance" (Dhikr Kathir) and its existential effects, emphasizing the Hadith "I am the Companion of whoever remembers Me." Adopting an approach rooted in practical theology, the study conducts a qualitative and conceptual analysis of a selected set of narrative and interpretive texts concerning Verse 41 of Surah Al-Ahzab. The central problem of the research is the transition from a quantitative and abstract understanding of "remembrance"—as the mere repetition of words—to a profound, qualitative, and functional understanding of it as a continuous "state of presence". The research methodology is conceptual content analysis, through which a coherent theoretical model for the realization of a faithful life is extracted from the primary texts.

The findings indicate that the essence of "Abundant Remembrance" lies not in numerical counting, but in "practical vigilance" and the sovereignty of God’s remembrance over choices during pivotal moments of distinguishing between the lawful (halal) and the forbidden (haram). This conscious presence results in the realization of "Divine Accompaniment" (Ma'iyyah)—a dynamic and mutual relationship manifested in the Sacred Hadith "I am the Companion of whoever remembers Me," which places the individual within the sphere of divine love, security, and sufficiency. From an applied perspective, this article argues that this accompaniment leads to the recreation of a "remembrance-based lifestyle" through the "polishing of the heart" and the cultivation of "insight" (the cognitive dimension) in both individual (sovereignty over will and choices) and social (participation in circles of remembrance) spheres.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 July 2026