Reminding People of Past as An Educational Method
One is reminded of his past and based on the experience he has gained, he rectifies his behavior and conduct.
This is a method used by divine messengers, especially Prophet Abraham (AS). What Tadhakkur means is helping one maintain the awareness he has previously gained about something.
In Tadhakkur, the teacher or sage removes the negligence of the student and creates an enthusiasm and keenness in him for preventing bad habits and immoral traits, helping him to move toward and strengthen moral behavior.
This method is based on reminding one of his past and what has done and experiences has gained and now forgotten.
Forgetfulness causes one to get preoccupied with the now and forget the past. He then won’t feel the pressure of the hardships he went through and the joy of the blessings he received in the past and, thus, he will not be thankful for the blessings and for the lessons.
God also uses this method in the Quran. For example, God says in Verse 40 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “Children of Israel, recall My favors which you enjoyed. Fulfill your covenant with Me and I shall fulfill Mine. Revere only Me.”
The Quran also points out that Abraham (AS) used this method:
“And (remember) Abraham. When he said to his people ‘Worship Allah and fear Him. That would be best for you, if you but knew. You only worship, other than Allah, idols and invent falsehoods. Those whom you worship, other than Allah, have no power to give you provision. Therefore seek the provision of Allah, and worship Him. Give thanks to Him, to Him you shall return.’” (Verses 16-17 of Surah Al-Ankabut)
Here Abraham uses the method of Tadhakkur twice:
1- Abraham reminds them of the fact that God is the one who provides sustenance and that if by worshipping idols, they seek substance, they should worship God, because no one besides God has any power to give anyone sustenance.
2- By saying that “you will return to God”, Abraham wants to remind the people that if they do not abandon worshipping idols, it would not do them well when they return to God on the Day of Judgment.
