Hadith #4090

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اَلذِّكْرُ مِفْتاحُ الأُنسِ۔" This can be translated as,

Remembering [Allah] is the key to intimacy [and nearness with Him].

The word (dhikr) "ذِكْرُ" in this Hadith refers to the remembrance of Allah. It encompasses all acts of worship and devotion that bring us closer to Him, such as reciting the Quran, praising Him, seeking His forgiveness, and reflecting upon His attributes. Dhikr is not limited to mere verbal repetition, but it encompasses a deep connection with Allah, a state of mindfulness and consciousness of His presence.

To understand the significance of dhikr as the key to intimacy with Allah, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:152)

And remember Me; I will remember you

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of dhikr. When we remember Allah, He in turn remembers us, showering His mercy and blessings upon us. Dhikr is a means of establishing a personal relationship with our Creator, a way to seek His love and guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ra'd, Allah says, (Quran 13:28)

Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest

This verse emphasizes the tranquility and peace that comes from engaging in dhikr. When we remember Allah sincerely, our hearts find solace and contentment. It is through dhikr that we can attain a state of inner peace and fulfillment.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that dhikr is not only a means of attaining nearness to Allah, but it is also the key to intimacy with Him. Intimacy implies a deep and close relationship, a connection that goes beyond mere rituals. Through consistent and sincere remembrance of Allah, we can develop a profound bond with Him, experiencing His presence in our lives.

When we engage in dhikr, we become more aware of Allah's attributes and His blessings upon us. This awareness leads to a greater sense of gratitude and humility. We recognize our dependence on Him and seek His guidance in every aspect of our lives. This intimate connection with Allah strengthens our faith and helps us navigate the challenges and trials of life with patience and trust in His divine plan.

Moreover, dhikr serves as a protection against the distractions and temptations of the world. It acts as a shield, guarding our hearts and minds from negative influences. Through constant remembrance of Allah, we are reminded of our purpose in this world and are motivated to strive for righteousness and excellence in all our actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that remembering Allah is the key to intimacy and nearness with Him. Dhikr is not a mere ritual, but a profound act of devotion that brings us closer to our Creator. By engaging in dhikr, we establish a personal relationship with Allah, find inner peace, and navigate the challenges of life with faith and resilience. May Allah grant us the ability to remember Him constantly and attain the highest levels of intimacy with Him.