Hadith #5834

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

طُوبَىٰ لِمَنْ صَمَتَ إِلَّا مِن ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ

which translates to

Blessed is the one who remains silent except from the remembrance of Allah.

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of silence, except when it comes to remembering Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words.

The word (samata) "صَمَتَ" means to remain silent or to refrain from speaking. It implies controlling one's tongue and abstaining from unnecessary speech. Silence is a virtue that allows one to reflect, ponder, and avoid unnecessary arguments or gossip. It is a means of self-discipline and self-control.

The phrase (illa min dhikrillah)

إِلَّا مِن ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ

means

except from the remembrance of Allah.

Dhikr, or remembrance of Allah, encompasses various acts such as reciting the Quran, praising Allah, and seeking His forgiveness. It is through the remembrance of Allah that one attains tranquility, spiritual elevation, and a deep connection with the Creator.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for further guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:205),

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 importance of silent remembrance of Allah, where one engages in heartfelt devotion and seeks closeness to Him without the need for public display.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.

This verse highlights the superiority of engaging in the remembrance of Allah over worldly pursuits, even during the Friday congregational prayer.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we can draw several profound insights. Firstly, remaining silent, except for the remembrance of Allah, allows us to avoid engaging in idle talk, gossip, and arguments that may lead to sin or harm. It promotes a peaceful and harmonious environment within ourselves and in our interactions with others.

Secondly, the emphasis on the remembrance of Allah reminds us of the importance of maintaining a constant connection with our Creator. Engaging in dhikr helps us develop a deep sense of spirituality, mindfulness, and gratitude. It serves as a means of seeking forgiveness, guidance, and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Thirdly, this Hadith encourages us to prioritize the remembrance of Allah over worldly pursuits. It reminds us that our ultimate purpose in life is to worship Allah and seek His pleasure. By dedicating time to silent reflection and remembrance, we can align our intentions and actions with the teachings of Islam, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful existence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of silence, except for the remembrance of Allah. It urges us to control our speech, avoid unnecessary talk, and prioritize the remembrance of our Creator. By reflecting on this Hadith and incorporating its teachings into our lives, we can strive towards spiritual growth, inner peace, and a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to embody the teachings of Islam and grant us the ability to remember Him in all aspects of our lives.