Hadith #5019

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he emphasizes the importance of staying awake at night in the remembrance and worship of Allah. The Arabic word (sahar) "سَهَرُ" refers to staying awake during the night, while (al-layl) "اللَّيْلِ" means the night. The word (bidhikr) "بِذِكْرِ" means

in the remembrance [and worship] of,

and (Allah) "اللَّهِ" refers to the Almighty. The term (ghaneematu) "غَنِيمَةُ" means "prize" or "booty," and (al-awliya) "الأوْلياءِ" refers to the friends or allies of Allah. Additionally, (sajiyyatu) "سَجِيَّةُ" means "practice" or "habit," and (al-atqiya) "الأتْقياءِ" refers to the God-wary or the pious individuals.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights the importance of Taqwa, which can be translated as God-consciousness or piety. It is through the practice of Taqwa that one can attain closeness to Allah and become among His allies.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 45, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Recite 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 emphasizes the significance of prayer and the remembrance of Allah in deterring one from committing sins and transgressions. It is through the constant remembrance of Allah that one can develop a strong connection with Him and strive to avoid sinful actions.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that staying awake at night in the remembrance and worship of Allah is the prize of the friends of Allah and the practice of the God-wary. This statement highlights the immense value and reward that can be attained through this act of devotion. The friends of Allah, or the awliya, are those individuals who have attained a high level of spiritual closeness to Him. They have purified their hearts and souls through continuous remembrance and worship, and as a result, they enjoy a special relationship with Allah.

By engaging in the practice of staying awake at night for the remembrance of Allah, one can strive to reach the level of the awliya. This act of worship requires dedication, discipline, and sacrifice, as it involves sacrificing sleep and worldly desires for the sake of seeking closeness to Allah. It is a manifestation of one's love and devotion to the Creator, as it demonstrates a willingness to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly comforts.

The consequences of this practice are manifold. Firstly, it allows individuals to develop a deep connection with Allah, as they engage in intimate conversations with Him during the stillness of the night. It is a time of solitude and tranquility, where one can reflect on their actions, seek forgiveness, and beseech Allah for His mercy and guidance. This practice helps in purifying the soul, strengthening the bond with the Creator, and seeking His pleasure.

Secondly, staying awake at night for the remembrance of Allah instills discipline and self-control in individuals. It cultivates a sense of restraint and moderation, as one learns to prioritize spiritual nourishment over worldly distractions. This practice helps in curbing the desires of the nafs (lower self) and developing a sense of detachment from material possessions. It teaches individuals to rely solely on Allah and seek His assistance in all matters of life.

Moreover, this act of worship serves as a means of protection from sin and wrongdoing. As mentioned in the aforementioned Quranic verse, the remembrance of Allah is greater than anything else. It acts as a shield against immorality and transgressions, as it constantly reminds individuals of their accountability to Allah. By staying awake at night for His remembrance, one is more likely to be conscious of their actions and strive to avoid anything that displeases Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the immense value and reward of staying awake at night in the remembrance and worship of Allah. It is a practice that enables individuals to develop a deep connection with the Creator, attain closeness to Him, and seek His pleasure. By sacrificing sleep and worldly desires, one can strive to become among the awliya and the God-wary. This act of devotion instills discipline, self-control, and protection from sin, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and purification of the soul. May Allah grant us the ability to engage in this noble practice and become among His beloved servants.