Hadith #10198

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the consequences of forgetting Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (forgets) "نَسِيَ", (the Glorified) "سُبْحَانَهُ", (makes him forget) "أنْساهُ", (himself) "نَفْسَهُ", and (blinds) "أعْمَى".

The word (forgets) "نَسِيَ" refers to the act of unintentionally neglecting or failing to remember something. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies forgetting the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and neglecting His worship and obedience.

(the Glorified) "سُبْحَانَهُ" is an attribute of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), indicating His absolute perfection, transcendence, and freedom from any imperfections or deficiencies. It is a reminder of the greatness and majesty of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

(makes him forget) "أنْساهُ" is derived from the root word (forgets) "نَسِيَ" and emphasizes the consequence of forgetting Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It implies that when a person neglects the remembrance of Allah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will cause them to forget their own essence and purpose in life.

The word (himself) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to one's own self, identity, and existence. In this Hadith, it signifies that when a person forgets Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), they lose sight of their true purpose and the significance of their existence.

Lastly, the word (blinds) "أعْمَى" denotes the act of losing sight or becoming spiritually blind. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies the darkening of the heart and the inability to perceive the truth and guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:19):

And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient.

This verse echoes the message of the Hadith, emphasizing the consequences of forgetting Allah. When individuals neglect the remembrance of Allah, they become oblivious to their own purpose and identity. They deviate from the path of obedience and righteousness, leading to spiritual blindness and a loss of guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:24), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life.

This verse highlights the importance of responding to the call of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), which is the remembrance of Allah. By actively engaging in the remembrance of Allah, we revive our souls and find true fulfillment and purpose in life. Neglecting this remembrance, however, leads to a state of forgetfulness and spiritual stagnation.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we realize the profound consequences of forgetting Allah. When we neglect His remembrance, we lose sight of our true purpose and become spiritually blind. Our hearts are darkened, and we are unable to perceive the guidance and blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us.

As Muslims, it is essential for us to constantly remember Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in our daily lives. Through prayer, recitation of the Quran, and acts of worship, we strengthen our connection with Allah and ensure that we do not fall into the trap of forgetfulness. By doing so, we preserve our spiritual sight, remain steadfast on the path of righteousness, and find true fulfillment in this life and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from forgetfulness and guide us to remember Him always. Ameen.