Hadith #5014

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "السَّهَرُ أحَدُ الْحَياتَيْنِ" which translates to

Night vigil is one of the two lives.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance and spiritual importance of spending the night in worship and contemplation.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (al-sahar) "السَّهَرُ" refers to the act of staying awake during the night, specifically for the purpose of worship and devotion. It encompasses engaging in prayers, recitation of the Quran, supplication, and seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (ahad) "أحَدُ" means "one of" or "one among." And finally, the word (al-hayatayn) "الْحَياتَيْنِ" refers to "the two lives."

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 50:16)

And We have certainly created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein

This verse emphasizes the intimate connection between Allah and His creation, specifically highlighting His proximity to us.

When we engage in night vigil, we are taking advantage of the stillness and tranquility of the night to draw closer to Allah. It is during this time that our souls are more receptive to the whispers of our inner selves, and we have a unique opportunity to connect with our Creator. By dedicating our nights to worship, we are acknowledging Allah's closeness to us and seeking His guidance and mercy.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Muzzammil, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 73:6)

Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue] and more suitable for words

This verse highlights the spiritual potency of the night hours for sincere supplication and reflection. It is during these quiet moments that our hearts and tongues align, allowing us to express our deepest desires, seek forgiveness, and pour out our souls to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Night vigil is one of the two lives,

reminds us of the immense value and reward that lies in dedicating our nights to worship. It serves as a reminder that our spiritual journey is not limited to the daylight hours, but extends into the night as well. By engaging in night vigil, we are essentially living two lives - one in the physical realm and the other in the realm of the unseen, where our souls are nourished and our connection with Allah is strengthened.

The practice of night vigil has numerous benefits and consequences. Firstly, it allows us to develop a deep sense of taqwa (God-consciousness) as we dedicate our time solely for the sake of Allah. It helps purify our hearts, strengthen our faith, and increase our mindfulness of Allah's presence in our lives. Night vigil also serves as a means of seeking forgiveness and repentance, as we reflect on our actions and strive to rectify any shortcomings.

Moreover, engaging in night vigil can have a transformative effect on our character and behavior. It instills discipline, patience, and perseverance as we commit to waking up during the night, despite the comfort of sleep. This discipline carries over into other aspects of our lives, enabling us to be more focused and steadfast in our daily endeavors.

Additionally, night vigil provides us with an opportunity to seek guidance and solutions to our problems. It is a time when the distractions of the world are minimized, allowing us to reflect deeply on our lives, seek answers to our questions, and find solace in the remembrance of Allah. It is during these moments of solitude that we can find clarity and direction, as Allah's guidance descends upon those who sincerely seek it.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of night vigil as a means of spiritual growth and connection with Allah. By dedicating our nights to worship, we are living two lives - one in the physical realm and the other in the realm of the unseen. This practice allows us to draw closer to Allah, seek His forgiveness, and find solace and guidance in His presence. May Allah grant us the ability to engage in night vigil and reap its countless rewards.