Hadith #4109

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of remembrance of Allah (ذِكْرُ اللّهِ) in achieving success in all matters and illuminating our inner selves. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The Arabic word (tustanjahu) "تُسْتَنْجَحُ" in the Hadith is derived from the root word "نجح" which means success or triumph. It implies that by engaging in the remembrance of Allah, we attain success in all aspects of our lives. This success can manifest in various forms, such as attaining prosperity, finding solutions to our problems, and achieving contentment and peace of mind. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) affirms the power of remembrance in the Quran in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 45:

(Quran 29:45)

Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.

This verse highlights the significance of remembrance of Allah in preventing us from engaging in immoral and wrongful actions. It serves as a shield against the temptations of the worldly desires and helps us maintain a righteous path. Through remembrance, we develop a strong connection with Allah, which guides us towards making wise decisions and avoiding harmful choices.

The word (tastaniru) "تَسْتَنْيرُ" in the Hadith is derived from the root word "نور" which means light. It signifies that the remembrance of Allah illuminates our inner selves, bringing clarity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening. Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the light of His remembrance in Surah An-Nur, verse 35:

(Quran 24:35)

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things.

This verse beautifully illustrates that Allah is the ultimate source of light, and His remembrance illuminates our hearts and souls. It is through this divine light that we gain insight, wisdom, and spiritual guidance. The remembrance of Allah dispels the darkness of ignorance, doubt, and despair, and fills our lives with hope, knowledge, and tranquility.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the transformative power of remembrance of Allah. When we engage in the remembrance of Allah, we align ourselves with His divine will, and our actions become guided by His wisdom and mercy. This remembrance acts as a constant reminder of our purpose in life and helps us stay focused on our spiritual journey.

Moreover, the remembrance of Allah strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with Him. It instills in us a sense of gratitude, humility, and reliance on Allah's guidance and support. Through remembrance, we acknowledge our dependence on Allah and seek His assistance in all matters, big or small.

The consequences of neglecting the remembrance of Allah are evident in the Quran. In Surah Al-Jumu'ah, verse 9, Allah warns those who turn away from His remembrance:

(Quran 62:9)

O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.

This verse emphasizes that neglecting the remembrance of Allah leads to a loss of spiritual growth and a detachment from the divine blessings. It is through remembrance that we find true success and enlightenment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the profound impact of the remembrance of Allah in our lives. By engaging in this spiritual practice, we attain success in all matters and experience the illumination of our inner selves. The Quranic verses further reinforce the significance of remembrance and highlight its transformative power. As Muslims, let us strive to make the remembrance of Allah an integral part of our daily lives, seeking His guidance, and drawing closer to Him. May Allah bless us all with the ability to remember Him constantly and may our lives be filled with success and enlightenment.