Hadith #4129

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاهِدايَةَ كَالذِّكْرِ۔" This can be translated as,

There is no guidance like remembrance [and glorification of Allah].

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hidayah) "هِدايَةَ" in the Hadith refers to guidance. It is derived from the root word (hada) "هَدَى", which means to guide or direct someone towards the right path. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies the spiritual guidance that leads a person towards righteousness and closeness to Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that there is no guidance comparable to (adh-dhikr) "الذِّكْرِ", which can be translated as remembrance or glorification of Allah. Dhikr is an act of remembering and mentioning Allah through various forms such as recitation of His names, praising Him, seeking His forgiveness, and reflecting upon His attributes.

The importance of dhikr is emphasized in the Quran in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152),

So remember Me; I will remember you.

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of dhikr, where when we remember Allah, He in turn remembers us and grants us His guidance and blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:205), Allah 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 and making it a constant part of our lives, both in times of ease and difficulty.

The act of dhikr has numerous benefits and profound effects on the individual. It serves as a means of purifying the heart, strengthening the connection with Allah, and seeking His forgiveness. Dhikr also helps in attaining tranquility and peace of mind, as mentioned in Surah Ar-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.

When we engage in dhikr, we are reminded of our purpose in life and our ultimate goal, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah. It helps us to stay focused on our spiritual journey and avoid distractions that may lead us astray. Dhikr also acts as a shield against the whispers of Shaytan and strengthens our resolve to resist temptations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that there is no guidance comparable to dhikr because it encompasses all aspects of our spiritual journey. It is a comprehensive act of worship that encompasses remembrance, praise, seeking forgiveness, and seeking closeness to Allah. Through dhikr, we seek guidance from the One who is the source of all guidance, Allah Himself.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the unparalleled importance of dhikr in attaining guidance and spiritual elevation. Dhikr serves as a means of connecting with Allah, purifying the heart, and seeking His forgiveness. It is a constant reminder of our purpose in life and helps us stay on the right path. May Allah grant us the ability to engage in sincere and abundant dhikr, and may it be a means of attaining His guidance and blessings.