24 •Islam is the religion of Divine Unity (AT-TAWijID)
and TA$AWWUF or Sufism, being the esoteric and inner
aspect of Islam, provides a means to perceive this Divine
Unity.l For the ordinary Muslim, the affirmation of Divine
Unity is the central core of the Islamic faith; but for
the contemplative Sufi, it is important to grasp the
spiritual meaning of Divine Unity and consequently he
penetrates its rational aspect until he reaches a point
where he leaves analytical thoughts behind and attains a
vigorous consciousness of the mysteries of Divine Unity.
The 18th century Moroccan Sufi, Shaikh AL_cARABI AD-DARQAWT
wrote:^2
For sincerity in deed and
word destroys doubts and
cares and strengthens cons-
ciousgess (TAWUID) in of the Divine heart Unity of him
who practices it constantly ••.
it is his turn to act and God(be He exalted) will help hi~.
The recitation of the formula of Divine Unity (ASH-SHAHADAH)
and the Divine Names (AL-AS~~o AL-~USNA) are a constant
practice of the Sufis as they travel on , their way to God.^3
In order to arrive at His Presence, the Sufis undergorigorous exercises in the Remembrance of God (DHIKRU ~LLAH).
The Remembrance of the Divine Names is the principal tech-
nique which Sufism employs in order to enable the aspirants
to see the straight path towards spiritual realization.
There are many passages in the Quran which explicitly state
the spiritual value of DHIKR. God says to His servants:
So remember me, and Iwill remember you.
(Quran,II, 145)
He also says:.