Hadith #4074

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, "الذِكْرُ أفْضَلُ الغَنِيمَتَيْنِ" which translates to

Remembering [Allah] is the better of the two gains.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the immense value and significance of remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in comparison to any worldly gain.

The word (dhikr) "ذِكْرُ" in this Hadith refers to the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses various forms of worship such as recitation of the Quran, supplication, praising and glorifying Allah, and reflecting upon His attributes and blessings. Dhikr is a means of connecting with our Creator, seeking His guidance, and attaining spiritual tranquility.

To understand the significance of dhikr, we can turn to the Quran where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Ra'd (13:28),

Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured.

This verse highlights the profound impact of dhikr on the hearts of believers, bringing them solace, contentment, and strengthening their faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:205), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.

This verse emphasizes the importance of internalizing dhikr, engaging in it sincerely and humbly, and making it a constant practice throughout our day.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the gains of this world, no matter how enticing they may seem, pale in comparison to the spiritual benefits and rewards of dhikr. Worldly gains are temporary and fleeting, while the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) brings eternal blessings and fulfillment.

When we engage in dhikr, we are reminded of our purpose in life, our dependence on Allah, and the transient nature of worldly possessions. This awareness helps us maintain a balanced perspective, preventing us from becoming excessively attached to material gains and allowing us to prioritize our spiritual growth.

Moreover, the practice of dhikr purifies our hearts, strengthens our connection with Allah, and increases our mindfulness of His presence in our lives. It serves as a shield against the distractions and temptations of this world, enabling us to navigate through life with wisdom, patience, and gratitude.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and spirituality, emphasizes the superiority of dhikr over any worldly gain. His words serve as a reminder to Muslims of all backgrounds that true success lies in remembering Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure above all else.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate gain, surpassing any worldly acquisition. Through dhikr, we find solace, strengthen our faith, and attain spiritual fulfillment. Let us strive to make dhikr a consistent practice in our lives, seeking closeness to Allah and the eternal rewards that come with it. May Allah guide us all on the path of remembrance and bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.