Hadith #4105

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ذِكْرُ اللّهِ شيمَةُ المُتَّقينَ۔

which translates to

Remembrance of Allah is the practice of the Near Ones.

This impactful saying highlights the significance of remembering Allah and its connection to piety and righteousness.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. "ذِكْرُ اللّهِ" refers to the remembrance of Allah, which encompasses various acts such as reciting His names and attributes, engaging in supplication, and reflecting upon His signs in the universe. "شيمَةُ" can be understood as the practice or characteristic, while "المُتَّقينَ" refers to the Near Ones or the pious individuals who fear Allah and strive to avoid His displeasure.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of remembrance in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:152)

And remember Allah often that you may succeed

This verse highlights the link between remembrance and success, indicating that those who remember Allah are more likely to achieve prosperity and righteousness in this world and the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ahzab, Allah states, (33:41)

O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance

This verse emphasizes the quantity and frequency of remembrance, encouraging Muslims to engage in continuous remembrance of Allah. By doing so, we strengthen our connection with the Divine and cultivate a state of mindfulness and awareness of His presence.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that remembrance of Allah is not merely a ritualistic practice, but rather a characteristic of the Near Ones, the pious individuals who fear Allah and strive to attain His pleasure. The remembrance of Allah is a transformative act that shapes our thoughts, actions, and character. It serves as a constant reminder of our purpose in life and our ultimate accountability to Allah.

When we remember Allah, we are more likely to adhere to His commandments and avoid sinful behavior. This remembrance acts as a shield against the temptations of this world, as it keeps our focus on the eternal rewards promised by Allah. It serves as a motivation to perform good deeds and abstain from evil, as we are constantly aware of His presence and His watchful eye.

Moreover, the remembrance of Allah brings about a sense of tranquility and contentment in our hearts. It serves as a source of solace during times of hardship and a means of expressing gratitude during times of ease. By remembering Allah in all aspects of our lives, we develop a deep sense of trust and reliance on Him, knowing that He is the ultimate source of guidance, support, and mercy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of remembrance of Allah as a defining characteristic of the Near Ones, the pious individuals who fear Allah and strive to attain His pleasure. This remembrance is not a mere ritual, but a transformative act that shapes our thoughts, actions, and character. By remembering Allah, we strengthen our connection with the Divine, cultivate mindfulness, and seek success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to remember Him constantly and attain the status of the Near Ones.