Hadith #10197

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "النِّسْيانُ ظُلْمَةٌ وفَقْدٌ۔" This can be translated as,

Forgetting [Allah] is darkness and loss.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (nisyan) "نِّسْيان" in this Hadith refers to forgetting or neglecting something. It is a state where one fails to remember or pay attention to something important. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to forgetting Allah, neglecting His remembrance, and failing to fulfill our obligations towards Him.

The word (dhulmah) "ظُلْمَةٌ" means darkness. It is used metaphorically in this Hadith to describe the consequences of forgetting Allah. Darkness symbolizes ignorance, confusion, and being spiritually lost. When we forget Allah, we are engulfed in darkness, unable to find guidance and clarity in our lives.

The word (faqd) "فَقْدٌ" means loss or deprivation. Forgetting Allah leads to a profound loss, both in this world and the hereafter. It is a loss of spiritual connection, guidance, and blessings. It is a loss of tranquility, contentment, and purpose in life. Ultimately, it is a loss of eternal salvation and the pleasure of Allah.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, where Allah repeatedly emphasizes the importance of remembering Him and the consequences of forgetting Him. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 59:19)

And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient.

This verse highlights the correlation between forgetting Allah and forgetting one's own self. When we neglect the remembrance of Allah, we lose sight of our true purpose and identity. We become disconnected from our spiritual essence and fall into a state of heedlessness.

In Surah Al-Jumu'ah, Allah says, (Quran 62:11)

And when they saw a transaction or a diversion, [O Muhammad], they rushed to it and left you standing. Say, 'What is with Allah is better than diversion and than a than a transaction, and Allah is the best of providers.'

This verse highlights the distraction and loss that comes from forgetting Allah. When we prioritize worldly pursuits and indulge in distractions, we forsake the remembrance of Allah. We lose sight of the true source of fulfillment and contentment, settling for temporary pleasures that ultimately leave us empty and dissatisfied.

Forgetting Allah not only leads to personal loss but also has wider societal consequences. In Surah Al-Hashr, Allah says, (Quran 59:19)

And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient.

This verse emphasizes that when individuals and communities forget Allah, they become disobedient and corrupt. They lose their moral compass and engage in actions that harm themselves and others. The absence of Allah's remembrance creates a void that is filled with injustice, oppression, and chaos.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that forgetting Allah is a grave mistake with severe consequences. It plunges us into darkness, deprives us of guidance, and leads to a profound loss in this life and the hereafter.

To avoid this darkness and loss, we must strive to remember Allah in every aspect of our lives. We should engage in regular acts of worship, such as prayer, recitation of the Quran, and supplication. We should seek knowledge about our religion and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). We should constantly remind ourselves of the purpose of our existence and the importance of fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and His creation.

By remembering Allah, we illuminate our hearts, find guidance in the midst of darkness, and attain true success and contentment. May Allah protect us from forgetting Him and bless us with the ability to remember Him in all aspects of our lives.