Hadith #4080

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of true remembrance of Allah. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that remembering Allah is not merely a ritual of the tongue or a fleeting thought. Rather, it is a profound and meaningful act that involves both the one who is remembered (Allah) and the one who remembers (the believer).

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (dhikr) "ذِكْر" refers to the remembrance of Allah, which encompasses various forms of worship such as recitation of the Quran, supplication, and contemplation of His attributes. The word (marasim) "مَرَاسِم" means rituals or ceremonies, indicating that the remembrance of Allah is not limited to superficial acts performed without true devotion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states that remembrance of Allah is not from the passing thoughts of the mind, denoted by the word (manasim) "مَنَاسِم". This highlights the need for a focused and conscious effort to remember Allah, rather than allowing our thoughts to wander aimlessly.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that true remembrance of Allah is twofold. Firstly, it is from the (mazkur) "مَذكُور", meaning the one who is remembered, which is Allah Himself. This emphasizes the significance of recognizing and acknowledging the presence of Allah in our hearts and minds at all times. It is a constant awareness of His existence, His attributes, and His guidance.

Secondly, true remembrance of Allah is from the (dhakir) "ذَّاكِر", which refers to the one who remembers. This implies that the believer actively engages in acts of remembrance, seeking closeness to Allah through various forms of worship and obedience. It is a conscious effort to keep Allah in our thoughts, actions, and intentions.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152):

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of remembrance, where Allah promises to remember those who remember Him. It is a beautiful manifestation of Allah's mercy and His desire for a close relationship with His creation.

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 internal aspect of remembrance, where the believer humbly remembers Allah within their heart, without necessarily vocalizing it. It is a reminder to maintain a constant connection with Allah, even in the quiet moments of solitude.

The consequences of true remembrance of Allah are profound. It brings tranquility to the heart, strengthens faith, and serves as a shield against the distractions and temptations of this world. It is a means of seeking forgiveness, attaining nearness to Allah, and ultimately achieving success in this life and the hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded that true remembrance of Allah goes beyond mere rituals or fleeting thoughts. It is a comprehensive and transformative act that encompasses our entire being. It requires sincere devotion, conscious effort, and constant awareness of Allah's presence. By engaging in true remembrance, we can cultivate a deep connection with our Creator and experience the profound blessings that come with it.

May Allah grant us the ability to remember Him in the truest sense and may He make us among those who are remembered by Him. Ameen.