Hadith #4089

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "الذكر مجالسة المحبوب" which translates to

Remembrance is being in the company of the beloved.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encapsulates the essence of remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and highlights the significance of seeking proximity to Him.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. The word (dhikr) "ذكر" refers to remembrance or mentioning, and it encompasses various forms of worship, including recitation of the Quran, supplication, and meditation on the attributes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (majalisah) "مجالسة" means being in the company or gathering, indicating the importance of surrounding oneself with those who are beloved to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Finally, the word (al-mahbub) "المحبوب" refers to the beloved, which in this context refers to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself.

This Hadith emphasizes that true remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is not limited to mere recitation or verbal expression, but it is a state of being in the presence of the Beloved. It implies that remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) should be a constant and immersive experience, where one's heart and mind are fully engaged in seeking His proximity.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support and elaborate on the concept of remembrance and being in the company of the beloved. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152),

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of remembrance, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to remember those who remember Him. It also emphasizes the importance of gratitude and acknowledging His blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah often that you may succeed.

This verse encourages believers to disperse after the congregational prayer and engage in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in their daily lives. It emphasizes the continuous nature of remembrance and its connection to success in this life and the Hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is not limited to specific times or places but should permeate every aspect of our lives. It urges us to seek the company of those who are beloved to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), such as the righteous and knowledgeable individuals, as their presence can inspire and elevate our remembrance.

By immersing ourselves in the company of the beloved, we are more likely to be reminded of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) attributes, His guidance, and His love for His creation. This constant remembrance leads to a heightened awareness of our actions, thoughts, and intentions, enabling us to align ourselves with the teachings of Islam and strive for spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) goes beyond mere words and rituals. It is a state of being in the company of the beloved, seeking His proximity, and immersing ourselves in His remembrance. By understanding and implementing this profound teaching, we can cultivate a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive towards spiritual excellence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be in the constant company of the beloved and to remember Him in all aspects of our lives.