(Notes) Tafsir surah Al Ahzaab - Part 6 -The Special People Favoured By Allah (SWT)

Tafsir surah Al Ahzaab - Part 6 -The Special People Favoured By Allah (SWT)

By Shaikh Abdullah Faisal

Monday 15th December 2014

NOTES TYPED LIVE BY AT19

EDITED AND FORMATTED BY AT38

AYAH 35

Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allāh in Islām) men and women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islāmic Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allāh), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allāh has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allāh has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their Lord Allāh), the men and the women who give Sadaqāt (i.e. Zakāt, and alms, etc.), the men and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadān, and the optional Nawāfil fasting), the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who remember Allāh much with their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc. for more than 300 times extra over the remembrance of Allāh during the five compulsory congregational prayers) or praying extra additional Nawāfil prayers of night in the last part of night, etc.) Allāh has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise). (Al-Ahzab 33:35)

Allah (swt) has praised many people in the above ayah

He praised their virtues

We shall explain them inshaAllah

1. THE MUSLIMS AND THE MU’MIN

Allah (swt) made a difference between the Muslim and the Mu'min in the Ayah

It is our understanding that there is a difference between the two

WHO IS THE MUSLIM

The Muslim is a person who believes in Islam and embraces Islam

Or he was raised as a Muslim and continues to believe in Islam

He did not abandon the religion of his parents (Islam) and follow another creed

However, this person who is a Muslim might have a major sin

As a trait in his character like alcohol, gambling or zina etc

We are not allowed to pronounce him a kaafir

Because these major sins are not major kufr

We do not pronounce a person kaafir for doing a major sin

Unless the major sin reaches the level of major kufr

An example of major kufr is magic

Or spying for the kuffar against the Muslims

Or that the person believes that the major sin is halal and not a sin

WHO IS THE MU'MIN

The mu'min is a believer who doesn't have a major sin as a trait in his character

The Muslim may have a girlfriend, but not a Mu'min

Allah (swt) made a difference between a Muslim and a Mu'min in 49:14

The bedouins say: "We believe." Say: "You believe not but you only say, 'We have surrendered (in Islam),' for Faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you obey Allah and His Messenger (SAW), He will not decrease anything in reward for your deeds. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Al-Hujurat 49:14)

Some desert Arabs took shahada and suffered poverty

So they came to the rasul (saw) and said that they are believers

And so he should feed them

So Allah revealed this Ayah above saying they were only Muslims

And not mu’mins, thus making a distinction between the two

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'No one who commits Zina is a believer at the moment when he is committing Zina. Sunan an-Nasa'i: Vol. 5, Book 45, Hadith 4873

The above mentioned hadith means the person is a Muslim

The man is not a Mu'min when he is fornicating with a woman

However, he is still a muslim

Therefore, we cannot make takfir on him even when he is in the act of fornicating

The khawaarij are the ones who make takfir on him when he is in the act of fornicating

If he should die while in the act he died a Muslim but not a Mu'min

Allah (swt) may punish or forgive him

This is our aqeeda

Because we are not khawarij

2. THE QAANIT

Allah (swt) also spoke about the Qaanit

Qaanit means a person who surrenders to Allah with obedience

The Prophet (saw) said you are not a believer until all of your inclinations

Are in accordance to what he has brought

Abu Muhammad 'Abdullah bin Amr bin al-'As, radiyallahu 'anhu, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, said: "None of you (truly) believes until his desire or inclination is in accordance with what I have brought or subservient to what I came with." [40 hadith of Imam Anawi] fine and genuine hadith which was related by al-Maqdidsi in his Book of Hujjah]

O you, who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.  (Al-Baqarah 2:208) Sahih International

Not every Muslim is a Qaanit

A Qaanit doesn't have a girlfriend or drink alcohol

A Qaanit is a level above a Muslim

Because a Qaanit surrenders to Allah (swt) with obedience

He doesn’t have one foot is Islam and the other in jahiliyyah

It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error. (Al-Ahzab 33:36)

You need to be a Qaanit if you want to be a real Muslim

But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad SAW) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission. (An-Nisa 4:65)

Allah swears by Himself in the above Ayah

Say (O Muhammad SAW to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur'an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Aali Imran 3:31)

The Parvezis ‘believe’ in the Quran but not the Hadith because they can't surrender

They want to make up their own religion

They cannot become the Qaaniteen

(The people Allah praise as people who will be in paradise)

…whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it), and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment. (Al-Hashr 59:7)

Qaaniteen surrender to Allah (swt) with complete obedience

You were commanded by Allah to become Qaaniteen in the ayaat below

Guard strictly (five obligatory) As­Salawat (the prayers) especially the middle Salat (i.e. the best prayer ­ 'Asr). And stand before Allah with obedience [and do not speak to others during the Salat (prayers)]. (Al-Baqarah 2:238)

To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth. All are obedient to Him. (Ar-Rum 30:26)

3. THE TRUTHFUL ONES

Allah (swt) Praised Those Who Are Truthful

Many Quranic verses speak about the Muslims who are truthful

We were commanded by Allah to be in the company of people who are truthrul in 9:119

This means you should avoid the company of liars

O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds). (At-Tawbah 9:119)

Ibn Mas'ud reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, "Truthfulness leads to piety and piety leads to the Garden. A man should be truthful until he is written down as truthful in the sight of Allah. Lying leads to deviance and deviance leads to the Fire. A person lies to the point that he is written down as a liar in the sight of Allah.” [al-Bukhari (6094) and Muslim (2607)]

‘Abdullah ibn 'Amr narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, "If anyone has four characteristics, he is a pure hypocrite, and if anyone has one of them, he has an aspect of hypocrisy until he gives it up: whenever he is trusted, he betrays his trust; whenever he speaks, he lies; when he makes an agreement, he breaks it; and when he quarrels, he deviates from the truth by speaking falsely." [al-Bukhari (34) and Muslim (58)] [Muwatta Malik (2/169) No. 2088, Shu'ab al-Eman al-Bayhaqi (6/456) No. 4472, Makarim al-Akhlaq Ibn Abi al-Dunya (pg. 54) No. 147, Mishkat al-Masabih (3/1364) No. 4862]

On the authority of Safwan ibn Sulaym who said: "The Messenger of Allah (SAW) was asked, 'Can the mumin be a coward?' He said, 'Yes.' He was asked, 'Can the mumin be a miser?' He said, 'Yes.' He was asked, 'Can the mumin be a liar?' He said, 'No.' [Muwatta Malik (2/169) No. 2088, Shu'ab al-Eman al-Bayhaqi (6/456) No. 4472, Makarim al-Akhlaq Ibn Abi al-Dunya (pg. 54) No. 147, Mishkat al-Masabih (3/1364) No. 4862]

You are allowed to lie in three occasions:

- On the battlefield

- For two Muslims who hate each other to help them make up

- To save a marriage

Narrated Ka'b ibn Malik: When the Prophet (SAW) intended to go on an expedition, he always pretended to be going somewhere else, and he would say: "War is deception". [Abu Dawud 2629, Tirmidhi 1681, Ahmed 14312]

4. THE PATIENT ONES

Patience means the thing is difficult to do

But because Allah (swt) has commanded you to do it, you do it

Example: Hajj, Jihad and Fast for Ramadhan

Patience also means you love a thing but you give it up because it is haram

For the sake of Allah

For example: zina and alcohol

Allah (swt) said He is with the sabireen (patient ones) in 8:46

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength depart, and be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.). (Al-Anfal 8:46)

The Prophet (saw) said Patience is light (illumination)

HADITH 23

الحديث الثالث والعشرون
«عن أبي مالك الحارث بن الأشعري رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم الطهور شطر الإيمان، والحمد لله تملأ الميزان، وسبحان الله والحمد لله تملآن - أو تملأ - ما بين السماء والأرض، والصلاة نور، والصدقة برهان، والصبر ضياء، والقرآن حجة لك أو عليك، كل الناس يغدو: فبائع نفسه فمعتقها أو موبقها» .
رواه مسلم.

On the authority of Abu Malik al-Harith bin al-Harith al-Asharee (RA) who said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "Purity is half of iman (faith). ‘al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)’ fills the scales, and ‘subhan-Allah (how far is Allah from every imperfection) and ‘al-hamdulillah (praise be to Allah)’ fill that which is between heaven and earth. And the salah (prayer) is a light, and charity is a proof, and patience is illumination, and the Qur’an is a proof either for you or against you. Every person starts his day as a vendor of his soul, either freeing it or causing its ruin." [Sahih Muslim (1/203) No. 223]

5. THE KHAASHI'EEN

The other type of people Allah (swt) spoke about in the ayah is the Khaashi'een

They are the people who pray with humility

What is khushoo?

Khushoo means when you stand to pray to Allah (salah),

You empty your heart from everything except Allah (swt)

You don't think about the dunya

You only think about Allah (swt)

Successful indeed are the believers. (Al-Mu'minun 23:1)

Those who offer their Salat (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness. (Al-Mu'minun 23:2)

Abu hurairah said that the Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) forbade putting hands on the waist during prayer. Abu Dawud said; The word Ikhtisar means to put one’s hands on one’s waist. Sunan Abi Dawud: Book 2, Hadith 947

The Jews put their hands on their waist during salah

The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When any one of you stands to pray, he is conversing with his Lord, so let him pay attention to how he speaks to Him.” (al-Haakim, al-Mustadrak, 1/236; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1538).

“The first thing of your religion that you will lose is khushoo’, and the last thing that you will lose of your religion is salaah. There may be a person praying who has no goodness in him, and soon you will enter the mosque and not find anyone who has khushoo’.” (al-Madaarij, 1/521).

A person praying and fidgeting and looking around has lost khushoo in salaah

Khushoo in salah is fard

When you fidget in salah you have no salah

And seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer) and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khashi'un [i.e. the true believers in Allah - those who obey Allah with full submission, fear much from His Punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise, etc.) and in His Warnings (Hell, etc.)]. (Al-Baqarah 2:45)

HOW DO WE ACHIEVE KHUSHOO IN SALAH?

1. To prepare for the Salah properly

Make proper wudu, ghusl and istinja

On the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (RA) who said: The Prophet (SAW) stayed behind us on a journey and then caught up with us, and we were late in praying ‘Asr. We started doing wudoo’ and wiping out feet (not washing them properly), and he called out at the top of his voice: “Save your heels from the fire” two or three times. [al-Bukhari (163) and Muslim (241)]

Wash your feet properly when you make wudu

Don’t be like the shia - they wipe over their feet (not wash)

Narrated By Muhammad Ibn Ziyad: I heard Abu Huraira saying as he passed by us while the people were performing ablution from a utensil containing water, "Perform ablution perfectly and thoroughly for Abul-Qasim (the Prophet) said, 'Save your heels from the Hell-fire.' "(Bukhari Hadith 166)

2. Purify the spot where you will perform the salah

The salah is not accepted if your clothing or the spot you pray is dirty (impure)

Because the Prophet (saw) passed by two men in the grave who were being punished

One was for dropping urine on his clothing

If you pray with urine on your clothing, your salah is rejected

Ibn ‘Abbas related that the Messenger of God, upon him be God’s blessings and peace, passed by two graves and said: “They are being punished, but not for a great matter (on their part). One of them did not clean himself from urine, and the other used to spread slander.” (Tirmidhi, “Tahara,” 53) 

Narrated By Ibn Abbas: The Prophet once passed by two graves, and those two persons (in the graves) were being tortured. He said, "They are being tortured not for a great thing (to avoid). One of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine, while the other was going about with calumnies (to make enmity between friends). He then took a green leaf of a date-palm tree split it into two pieces and fixed one on each grave. The people said, "O Allah's Apostle! Why have you done so?" He replied, "I hope that their punishment may be lessened till they (the leaf) become dry." [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Book 23, Hadith #443]

3. Make sure nothing in the salah room distracts you

Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “ ‘Aa’ishah had a decorated, colourful curtain which she used to cover the side of her house. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to her, ‘Take it away from me, because its decorations keep distracting me when I pray.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath al-Baari, 10/391).

4. Keep the lines straight

If your lines are crooked in the salah, your hearts will become crooked

“The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘Make your rows straight, for straightening the rows is part of completing the prayer.’” MALIK: Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 993

If your line is straight, Allah (swt) will make it like that of the Angels

5. Avoid turning away from Allah in your salah

You should look at the spot where your head will be in sujud

And do not turn away in salah

6. Don't allow people to walk in front of you

It breaks the khushoo

If a woman, a black dog or a donkey walks in front of you, your salah is broken

 (A mature girl who is menstruating - not a little girl)

Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (RA) who said: I heard the Prophet (SAW) say: "If while you are praying, somebody intends to pass in front of you, prevent him; and should he insist, prevent him again; and if he insists again, then let him fight him, for he is a devil.” [al-Bukhari (3274) and Muslim (505)]

t was reported from ‘Abdullah ibn al-Samit that Abu Dharr said: “The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: ‘If any one of you stands up to pray, then he has a sutrah [an item placed in front of a praying person as a “screen”] if he has something the height of the back of a saddle in front of him. If he does not have something the height of the back of a saddle in front of him, then his prayer is invalidated if a donkey or a woman or a black dog passes in front of him.’” I [‘Abdullah] asked, “O Abu Dharr, what is the difference between a black dog and a red or yellow dog?” He said, “O son of my brother, I asked the Messenger of Allah (SAW) the same question, and he said, ‘The black dog is a shaytan (devil).’” [Sahih Muslim (1/365) No. 510, Sunan Abu Dawud (1/187) No. 702, Sunan al-Nasa'i (2/63) No. 750, Sunan Tirmidhi (2/161) No. 338, Sunan Ibn Majah (2/102) No. 952, Musnad Ahmad (5/155) No. 21415]

The dog that makes the salah batil is the black dog

However the donkey is any donkey

Why the black dog? Because the black dog is the shaytan

7. Pray at a medium pace - do not rush the salah

8. Allow every bone to return to its original position before go perform the next action

The man who comes out of ruku and did not allow his back to become straight

Before he goes to sajda is a thief

Because he is stealing from his salah

Abi Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said "The worst thief is one who steals in his prayer." Then the companions asked, "How can someone steal from his prayer?" Prophet (SAW) answered, "He does not complete his Ruku and Sadjah with perfection."

[Musnad Ahmad (5/310) No. 22695, Sunan Darimi (1/350) No. 1328, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah (1/331) No. 663]

9. Ponder over the verses of the Quran

This is when the imam recites, or when you are praying on your own

Do they not then think deeply in the Qur'an, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)? (Muhammad 47:24)

10. Avoid looking in the sky

Narrated Jabir bin Samurah (RAA): 'The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "Those who raise their sight toward the sky during the prayer, should stop doing so, otherwise their sight will not return to them.'[Related by Muslim]

11. Do not move to a position before the Imam

Meaning, you should not move to next action in salah before the Imam

E.g. you should go to sajda before the imam does

If you do that, your salah is batil

The Prophet (saw) said, "Isn't he who raises his head before the Imam afraid that Allah may transform his head into that of a donkey or his figure (face) into that of a donkey?" BUKHARI: Vol. 1, Book 11, Hadith 660

12. Don't pray when the food is served

The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not pray when there is food prepared.” (Reported by Muslim, no. 560).

13. Don't pray when you need to go to the bathroom

If anyone is in this position, he should first go to the bathroom and answer the call of nature, even if he misses whatever he misses of the congregational prayer, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If any one of you needs to go to the toilet, and the prayer has begun, he should go to the toilet first.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, no. 88; Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 299)

14. Recite AMEEN out loud when the Imam finishes the recitation of Surah Fatiha

Because the Sahabah use to recite it out loud

The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If the imaam says ‘Aameen,’ then say ‘Aameen’ too, for whoever says ‘Aameen’ and it coincides with the ‘Aameen’ of the angels, will have all his previous sins forgiven.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, no.747).

15. Respond to the Imam when he says: Sam'a Allahu liman Hamidah

16. Recite with Tartil - because Allah Himself recommends tartil

Tartil means to recite with steady a pace

And with a melodious voice

…and recite the Qur'an (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style. (Al-Muzzammil 73:4)

17. Pray as if you see Allah (swt)

Although you cannot, you know that He is watching you

18. Pray as if it is your last salah

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also advised Abu Ayyoob (may Allaah be pleased with him): “When you stand up to pray, pray a farewell prayer.” (Reported by Ahmad, 5/412; Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 742) – meaning the prayer of one who thinks that he will not pray another prayer. The person who is praying will no doubt die, and there is some prayer that will be his last prayer, so let him have khushoo’ in the prayer that he is doing, for he does not know whether this will be his last prayer.

6. THE FASTING PEOPLE

Allah is speaking about those who fast during Ramadhan and for the nawafil (volunteer)

If you fast the day of Arafah, one year of your past and future sins will be forgiven

O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious - see V.2:2). (Al-Baqarah 2:183)

The Prophet (saw) said, “Paradise has eight gates, and one of them is called Ar-Raiyan through which none will enter but those who observe fasting.” BUKHARI: Vol. 4, Book 54, Hadith 479

Fasting is a shield because it shields you against the arrows of the shaytan

Abu Huraira (RA) reported the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, 'I am fasting." The Prophet added, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), 'He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.'" [Sahih Bukhari (3/24-25) No. 1894]

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood narrated the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: ''O youths, whoever amongst you is able to marry, then let him do so, since it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts, and he who is unable, then let him fast because it is a shield for him'' [al-Bukhari (5066) and Muslim (1400)]

Abu Huraira (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Deeds are shown (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays, and I like my deeds to be shown when I am fasting.” [Sunan Tirmidhi (3/122) No. 747]

7. THOSE WHO PROTECT THEIR PRIVATE PARTS

And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts) (Al-Mu'minun 23:5)

Except from their wives or (the captives and slaves) that their right hands possess, for then, they are free from blame; (Al-Mu'minun 23:6)

But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors; (Al-Mu'minun 23:7)

Allah (swt) spoke about the ones who guard their chastity in the above verses

Narrated By Sahl bin Sa'd: Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him." [Sahih Bukhari (8/100) No. 6474]

8. THOSE WHO DO DHIKR

Allah spoke about the believers who do dhikr in 3:190-191

Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. (Aali Imran 3:190)

Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying) :

"Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire. (Aali Imran 3:191)

Allah praised the people who do dhikr

Abu Sa'eed al Khudri (ra) narrates from the Prophet (Peace be upon him) who said: Do Dhikr so much that people start calling you Majnoon (mad)[Tafsir ul Qurtubi, Volume No. 14, Page No. 197] [This hadith is narrated in Musnad Ahmed (3/67, 81). Ibn Hibban in his “SAHIHA” (#814). Imam al-Hakim in his Mustadrak ala Sahihayn (1/499)]

Narrated by Ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنھما) who said that the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said: Remember Allah in abundance to the extent that Munafiqeen say that you are showing off [Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Volume No. 6, Page No. 384]

Dhikr gives you self-contentment and relaxes the heart

This is one of the virtues of dhikr

Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. (Ra'd 13:28)

You are protected from the shaytan with the dhikr of Allah

And whosoever turns away (blinds himself) from the remembrance of the Most Beneficent (Allah) (i.e. this Qur'an and worship of Allah), We appoint for him Shaitan (Satan ­ devil) to be a Qarin (an intimate companion) to him. (Az-Zukhruf 43:36)

When the shaytan becomes your companion, you hear voices

This person suffers from schizophrenia

Because the shaytan has now become his companion

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With dhikr you become spiritually alive

Without dhikr you are spiritually dead

"Who remembers Allah (S.W. T.), and who does not, are as different as one who is alive from who is dead “Bukhari.

11275 - حدثنا أبي، ثنا ابن عمير، ثنا سفيان ابن أبي نجيح، عن مجاهد قال: لا يكون العبد من الذاكرين الله كثيرا حتى يذكر الله قائما وقاعدا ومضطجعا.
Mujahid said, "A servant of Allah is not considered of those who remember Allah much until he remembers Allah while standing, sitting and lying down.'' [Tafseer Ibn Abi Hatim (6/2092) No. 11275 and Tafseer Ibn Katheer (5/283)]

When you do dhikr Allah (swt) makes mention of you among his angels

Recite (O Muhammad SAW) what has been revealed to you of the Book (the Qur'an), and perform As-Salat (Iqamat­as­Salat). Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha' (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed, etc.) and the remembering (praising, etc.) of (you by) Allah (in front of the angels) is greater indeed [than your remembering (praising, etc.) Allah in prayers, etc.]. And Allah knows what you do. (Al-'Ankabut 29:45)

When Allah (swt) said the "dhikr of Allah is akbar",

It means when Allah mentions you among His angels, it is the greatest thing.

Dhikr prevents you from becoming cursed

Abu Huraira (RA) reported that Allah's Messenger (SAW) said, “The world, with all that it contains, is accursed except for dhikr (the remembrance of Allah) that which pleases Allah; and the religious scholars and seekers of knowledge.'' [Sunan Tirmidhi (4/561) 2322 and Sunan Ibn Majah (5/231) 4112, (Abu Eesa al-Tirmidhi said: this hadeeth is hasan ghareeb)]

Dhikr prevents you from becoming a munaafiq

Because of the characteristics of a munaafiq is that they can’t remember Allah

The hypocrites, men and women, are from one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief and polytheism of all kinds and all that Islam has forbidden), and forbid (people) from Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do),

 and they close their hands [from giving (spending in Allah's Cause) alms, etc.]. They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them. Verily, the hypocrites are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). (At-Tawbah 9:67)

Dhikr prevents you from living a wretched life

"But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur'an nor acts on its orders, etc.) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection." (Ta-Ha 20:124)

He will say:"O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)." (Ta-Ha 20:125)

(Allah) will say: "Like this, Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) came unto you, but you disregarded them (i.e. you left them, did not think deeply in them, and you turned away from them), and so this Day, you will be neglected (in the Hell-fire, away from Allah's Mercy)." (Ta-Ha 20:126)