Hadith #11247

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the qualities and characteristics of the friends of Allah. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (awliya' Allah) "أوْلِياءَ اللّهِ", which translates to

the friends of Allah.

The term "awliya'" refers to those who have a close and intimate relationship with Allah, those who are beloved to Him and have earned His special favor and protection. These individuals are the embodiment of piety, righteousness, and devotion to Allah.

The next significant word is (dhikran) "ذِكْراً", which means "remembrance." The friends of Allah are described as those who remember Him the most. This remembrance encompasses both the remembrance of Allah through acts of worship, such as prayer, supplication, and recitation of the Quran, as well as the remembrance of Allah in their hearts and minds, constantly being aware of His presence and guidance.

The second quality mentioned is (shukran) "شُكْراً", which translates to "gratitude." The friends of Allah are characterized by their constant gratitude towards Him. They recognize and acknowledge the countless blessings and favors bestowed upon them by Allah, both apparent and hidden. Their hearts are filled with gratitude, and they express it through their words, actions, and attitudes.

The third attribute highlighted is (sabr) "صَبْراً", which means "patience." The friends of Allah possess greater patience in the face of His trials and tribulations. They understand that life is a test, and they endure hardships, difficulties, and challenges with patience and perseverance. They trust in Allah's wisdom and rely on His support, knowing that every trial is an opportunity for growth and spiritual elevation.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support and reinforce the teachings of this Hadith. Allah 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 emphasizes the importance of remembrance and gratitude towards Allah. The friends of Allah are those who constantly remember Him and express their gratitude for His blessings.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155), Allah says,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse highlights the inevitability of trials and tribulations in life. The friends of Allah are distinguished by their patience and perseverance in the face of these challenges, knowing that their reward lies with Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Rad (13:28), Allah states,

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 emphasizes the significance of remembrance of Allah in finding tranquility and contentment. The friends of Allah are those whose hearts are filled with the remembrance of Allah, finding solace and peace in their connection with Him.

The profound teachings of this Hadith remind us of the qualities we should strive to embody as Muslims. We should aim to be among the friends of Allah by increasing our remembrance of Him, expressing gratitude for His blessings, and cultivating patience in the face of trials. By doing so, we can strengthen our relationship with Allah and attain His pleasure and favor.

May Allah grant us the ability to remember Him abundantly, be grateful for His blessings, and have patience in all circumstances. Ameen.