Hadith #1294

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A believer constantly remembers [Allah], frequently contemplates, is thankful for blessings and patient in the face of tribulation.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (al-mu'min) "المُؤْمِنُ", which means "the believer." In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the believers as those who have faith in Him and His Messenger, and who strive to do righteous deeds. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

The next important words are (da'im al-dhikr) "دائِمُ الذِّكرِ", which means "constantly remembers [Allah]." This signifies the importance of remembrance of Allah in the life of a believer. The Quran emphasizes the remembrance of Allah in numerous verses. For example, 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.

Furthermore, the Hadith mentions (kathir al-fikr) "كَثيرُ الفِكرِ", which means "frequently contemplates." This highlights the significance of deep reflection and contemplation in the life of a believer. In the Quran, Allah encourages believers to ponder over His signs and the creation around them. Allah says in Surah Al-Imran (3:191),

Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], 'Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

The Hadith also mentions (ala al-na'ma'i shakir) "عَلَى النَّعماءِ شاكِرٌ", which means "thankful for blessings." Gratitude is an essential characteristic of a believer. In the Quran, Allah repeatedly emphasizes the importance of gratitude. Allah says in Surah Ibrahim (14:7),

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

Lastly, the Hadith states (wa fi al-bala'i sabir) "وَفِي البَلاءِ صابِرٌ", which means

patient in the face of tribulation.

Patience is a virtue that a believer must possess during times of difficulty and hardship. The Quran provides numerous examples of the importance of patience. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155), Allah says,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

In conclusion, this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities that a believer should strive to embody. By constantly remembering Allah, frequently contemplating, being thankful for blessings, and patient in the face of tribulation, a believer can strengthen their faith and draw closer to Allah. May we all strive to embody these qualities and seek the pleasure of Allah in all aspects of our lives.