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The second khalwat of the year takes place from the first of Dhul Qa`idah to the tenth of Dhul-Hijjah, for 40 days. When the holy month of Dhul-Qa`idah, also known as Shahru ’l-haraam, arrives, say, “Yaa Rabbee, I intend, nawaytu ’l-arba`een,” to spend time sitting, doing Dhikrullah. Your heart will enter the Malakooti realm, into the beauty of Asmaullahi wa ’s-Siffaat, the knowledge of the Names of Allah ﷻ through Sayyidina Adam (ع)
Even if we missed the Rajab khalwat, we are encouraged now to intend and devote half an hour daily to Dhikrullah (remembrance of Allah), especially during three blessed times:
- Between Asr and Maghrib,
- Between Maghrib and Isha,
- Half an hour before Fajr until shortly after Ishraq.
At these moments, Allah, Rasulullah ﷺ, and the Awliya (saints) gaze upon creation. Turning the heart towards Allah during these times invites spiritual support from the hidden Friends of Allah (the Qutub, the four Awtad, the four Aqtaab, and groups of saints mentioned by Sayyidina Ibn Arabi and as the “One, Three, Seven, Forty, Seventy, Seven-hundred, and Three-hundred-thirteen” according to Turkish tradition).
True knowledge (ʿilm) is already within the soul, but it must bear fruit through good deeds (ʿamal). Knowledge without action is like a tree without fruit.
Thus, even a simple half-hour daily seclusion can allow the Waliyullah to help perfect our knowledge and deeds — drawing us closer to Allah’s Mercy.
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