Is Jalali Dhikr harmful?

- I want to make dhikr using the name “al-Qahhar” (the Subduer), but a friend from the Tijani order told me that performing dhikr with Jalali names is only possible with the permission of a sheikh, and otherwise, it could bring misfortune to the person making it.
- Could you explain to me the permissibility of performing Jalali dhikr?

Dear Brother / Sister,

We will try to briefly answer the points mentioned in your question:

Is permission from a Sheikh required for reciting dhikr with Jalali Names?

Allah states the following in the Quran:

“The most beautiful names belong to Allah; so call on him by them...” (al-Araf 7/180)

It is clearly stated in the verse above that prayer and remembrance of Allah can be made using all of Allah’s names. No specific permission is required for any particular name. Therefore, a Muslim can recite any of Allah’s names. There is no obligation to obtain permission from a Sufi sheikh for it.

In Sufi orders, there is sometimes a practice called “permission.” The reason for it is to allow the dervish (murid) to perform dhikr regularly; it is a system of spiritual training, but it is not a religious obligation. Therefore, the claim that “misfortune befalls someone who performs dhikr without permission” has no basis in the Quran or sound hadiths.

Is it objectionable to make dhikr with the name al-Qahhar (the Subduer)?

The names of Allah are described in two groups:

Names of Jamal/Beauty (with a focus on mercy): such as ar-Rahman (the Compassionate), ar-Rahim (the Merciful), al-Latif (the Subtle One).

Names of Jalal/Majesty (power and grandeur): such as al-Qahhar (the Subduer), al-Jabbar (the Compeller), al-Aziz (the Mighty).

“Al-Qahhar” means the possessor of absolute power, the one who prevails over everything, and the one whom nothing can resist.

“Whose will be the dominion that Day?” That of Allah, the One the Irresistible!” (Mumin 40/16)

The verse above describes Allah’s absolute sovereignty. That is, it does not mean “the one who crushes people,” but rather the all-powerful, absolute ruler.

Is it permissible to make dhikr using this name?

Yes, it is. For example, prayers such as “Ya Qahhar” or “Ya Qahhar, destroy the evil of my soul” can be uttered.

The purpose of this dhikr is to remember Allah’s power and to overcome the negative aspects of the soul.

Is the claim that it “brings misfortune” true?

No, it does not bring misfortune; with Allah’s permission, it prevents misfortunes from occurring. It should not be forgotten that the remembrance (dhikr) of Allah does not harm a person; on the contrary, it brings peace to the heart.

The following is stated in the Quran: “For without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” (see ar-Rad 13/28).

The best way to make dhikr is to recite different names of Allah together. For example: Ya Rahman, Ya Rahim, Ya Latif, Ya Qahhar, etc. Thus, a balance occurs.

To sum up:

The statement “Permission from the sheikh is necessary for making dhikr with Jalali names” is not a religious obligation.

- It is permissible to make dhikr by saying “Ya Qahhar”.

- There is no sound evidence in Islam that this type of dhikr brings misfortune.

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