Hadith #5022

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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 engaging in worship during the night by staying awake and remembering Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (sahar) "سَهَرُ" in the Hadith refers to staying awake during the night. It implies dedicating one's time to worship and remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) when others are asleep. This act of worship is considered the best because it demonstrates a sincere and intense connection with the Creator, away from the distractions of the world.

The phrase (al-'uyun) "العُيُونِ" in the Hadith refers to the eyes. It symbolizes the physical and spiritual senses that are awakened during this act of worship. By staying awake at night, one's eyes become a witness to the devotion and dedication towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The phrase (bi-dhikrillahi subhanahu) "بِذِكْرِ اللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ" in the Hadith means

in the remembrance of Allah, the Glorified.

This refers to engaging in various forms of remembrance, such as recitation of the Quran, supplication, seeking forgiveness, and reflecting upon the greatness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through this remembrance that one attains spiritual enlightenment and draws closer to the Divine.

The Quran provides numerous verses that highlight the significance of worship during the night and the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). In Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:1-4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who wraps himself [in clothing], arise [to pray] the night, except for a little - half of it - or subtract from it a little or add to it, and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation.

This verse encourages Muslims to dedicate a portion of the night to prayer and recitation of the Quran. It emphasizes the importance of engaging in worship during the night, just as the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) does.

Another verse that supports the concept of night worship is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:79), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud beyond what is incumbent on you; perhaps your Lord will raise you to a praised station.

This verse encourages Muslims to go beyond the obligatory prayers and engage in voluntary prayers during the night. It highlights the potential for spiritual elevation and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that can be attained through night worship.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us the importance of dedicating time for worship during the night. It reminds us that true devotion and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) require sacrifice and effort. By staying awake at night and engaging in the remembrance of Allah, we can strengthen our relationship with the Divine, seek His forgiveness, and attain spiritual enlightenment.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the exemplary knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His profound understanding of the Quran and his ability to extract practical guidance from its verses is evident in this Hadith. Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, can benefit from his teachings and strive to emulate his devotion and dedication to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of staying awake at night in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encourages Muslims to dedicate time for worship during the night, seeking spiritual enlightenment and closeness to the Divine. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that support this concept, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of night worship and strive to incorporate it into our lives as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to engage in sincere and meaningful worship, both during the day and the night.