Hadith #5018

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 righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of staying awake at night in devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Imam describes this act as the

spring of the friends [of Allah]

and the

garden of the felicitous.

To fully comprehend the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of key words in this Hadith.

The word (sahar) "سَهَرُ" refers to staying awake during the night. It implies dedicating oneself to acts of worship and seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) during the quiet and serene hours of darkness. This word signifies the voluntary nature of this act, as it is not obligatory but highly recommended for Muslims seeking spiritual growth.

The term (ta'atillah) "طاعَةِ اللَّهِ" translates to "obedience to Allah." It encompasses all acts of worship, including prayer, recitation of the Quran, supplication, and remembrance of Allah. By engaging in these acts, one demonstrates their submission and devotion to the Almighty.

The phrase (rabiu al-awliya) "رَبيعُ الأوْلياءِ" can be understood as the

spring of the friends [of Allah].

Here, the term (awliya) "أوْلياءِ" refers to the close friends and allies of Allah, those who have attained a high level of piety and righteousness. The "spring" metaphorically represents a source of rejuvenation and growth for these righteous individuals.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes this act as the (rawdatu al-su'ada) "رَوْضَةُ السُّعَداءِ", which can be translated as the

garden of the felicitous.

This phrase implies that staying awake at night in worship is a means to attain true happiness and contentment in this world and the hereafter. It is a spiritual oasis that brings tranquility and fulfillment to the hearts of the believers.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for further guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:113-114):

They are not [all] the same; among the People of the Scripture is a community standing [in obedience], reciting the verses of Allah during periods of the night and prostrating [in prayer]. They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and hasten to good deeds. And those are among the righteous.

This verse highlights the distinction between different groups of people, with a specific mention of those who engage in acts of worship during the night. These individuals are described as "among the righteous," emphasizing the importance of staying awake at night for spiritual growth and righteousness.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:1-4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) addresses the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and instructs him to stay awake at night for prayer:

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 serves as a reminder to the Prophet (ﷺ) and all Muslims of the importance of dedicating a portion of the night to worship and recitation of the Quran. It emphasizes the significance of this act in seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strengthening one's faith.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that staying awake at night in worship is a means to attain righteousness, spiritual growth, and true happiness. It is a time of solitude and tranquility, where believers can connect with their Creator and seek His forgiveness and blessings. By engaging in acts of worship during the night, Muslims emulate the practices of the righteous and strive to become closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to observe the night vigil and reap its immense benefits.