Hadith #4094

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الذكر جلاء البصائر ونور السرائر

which translates to

Remembrance of Allah is the polishing of visions and illumination of the inner selves.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance and transformative power of remembering Allah.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of the important words used in this Hadith. The word (dhikr) "ذكر" refers to the remembrance of Allah, which encompasses various forms of worship such as reciting His names, praising Him, and seeking His forgiveness. (jala) "جلاء" means polishing or clarity, and (basair) "بصائر" refers to visions or insights. (noor) "نور" signifies light, and (sara'ir) "سرائر" refers to the inner selves or the depths of our hearts.

To understand the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:45),

Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.

This verse emphasizes the superiority of remembrance of Allah over other acts of worship, highlighting its ability to prevent us from falling into sinful behavior.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ra'd (13:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.

This verse emphasizes that the remembrance of Allah brings tranquility and assurance to the hearts of believers. It is through this remembrance that our inner selves are illuminated, and our visions become clear.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us that the remembrance of Allah has a profound impact on our spiritual and intellectual growth. When we engage in the remembrance of Allah, our hearts and minds are purified, and our inner selves are enlightened. It is through this process that our visions become clear, enabling us to see the truth and gain deeper insights into the world around us.

The polishing of visions mentioned in the Hadith refers to the removal of any impurities or distractions that hinder our ability to perceive the reality of things. When we remember Allah, our perspectives become refined, and we are able to see beyond the superficial aspects of life. This clarity of vision allows us to make better decisions, understand the consequences of our actions, and navigate through the challenges of life with wisdom and insight.

Moreover, the illumination of the inner selves signifies the enlightenment of our souls. When we engage in the remembrance of Allah, our hearts are filled with His light, dispelling the darkness of ignorance, doubt, and negativity. This light guides us towards righteousness, compassion, and empathy, enabling us to cultivate a strong connection with Allah and fulfill our purpose in this world.

The consequences of neglecting the remembrance of Allah are evident in the spiritual and intellectual stagnation that individuals may experience. Without the regular remembrance of Allah, our hearts become veiled, and our visions become clouded. We may become susceptible to the illusions and distractions of this world, losing sight of our true purpose and the ultimate reality.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the transformative power of the remembrance of Allah. Through this remembrance, our visions become clear, and our inner selves are illuminated. The Quranic verses mentioned support this exegesis by highlighting the superiority of remembrance of Allah and its ability to bring tranquility to our hearts. As Muslims, it is essential for us to engage in regular remembrance of Allah to polish our visions, illuminate our inner selves, and strive towards spiritual and intellectual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to remember Him constantly and benefit from the profound wisdom of this Hadith.