Hadith #4087

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully describes the transformative power of the remembrance of Allah (ذِكْرُ اللَّهِ) on the hearts of believers. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating that Allah, the Sublime and Exalted (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), has made His remembrance a means to polish and purify the hearts of His servants.

The word (جَلاءَ) "jala" used in the hadith means "polishing" or "cleansing." Just as a precious gem is polished to enhance its brilliance and clarity, the remembrance of Allah purifies the hearts of believers, removing the impurities of sins, doubts, and heedlessness. This polishing process allows the heart to become radiant with the light of faith and knowledge, enabling it to perceive the truth and attain spiritual enlightenment.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then describes the profound effects of this polishing on the faculties of sight and hearing. He states that through the remembrance of Allah, one is able to see after blindness and hear after deafness. This metaphorical language highlights the transformative power of the remembrance of Allah in granting believers insight and understanding, even in the face of ignorance and confusion.

Allah, in the Quran, emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance through His remembrance. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 43, Allah says,

And remember when you were few and oppressed in the land, fearing that people might abduct you, but He sheltered you, supported you with His victory, and provided you with good things - that you might be grateful.

This verse reminds us of the power of Allah's remembrance in granting victory and protection to His believing servants, even in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jumu'ah, verse 9, Allah says,

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 emphasizes the superiority of the remembrance of Allah over worldly pursuits, highlighting its significance in the life of a believer.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes the hadith by stating that through the remembrance of Allah, one becomes submissive after obstinacy. This refers to the transformation of a stubborn heart into a humble and obedient one. The remembrance of Allah softens the heart, making it receptive to guidance and more inclined towards acts of worship and obedience.

In Surah Al-Hijr, verse 45, Allah says,

Indeed, the righteous will be in gardens and springs, accepting what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were before that doers of good.

This verse highlights the reward of those who submit themselves to Allah and accept His guidance. Through the remembrance of Allah, believers develop a deep sense of humility and surrender, recognizing their dependence on Him and striving to fulfill His commands.

The profound exegesis of this hadith teaches us the importance of engaging in the remembrance of Allah. It reminds us that the remembrance of Allah is not merely a ritualistic act, but a transformative process that purifies our hearts, grants us insight and understanding, and cultivates humility and obedience. By constantly remembering Allah, we can polish our hearts, overcome our shortcomings, and strive towards spiritual excellence. May Allah grant us the ability to engage in His remembrance and benefit from its profound blessings.