Hadith #4100

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

ثَمَرَةُ الذِّكْرِ اِسْتِنارَةُ القُلُوبِ۔

This can be translated as,

The fruit of remembrance [of Allah] is illumination of the hearts.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (dhikr) "ذِكْرِ" in this Hadith refers to the remembrance of Allah. It encompasses various forms of worship, such as recitation of the Quran, supplication, and contemplation of His attributes. The act of remembrance serves as a means of connecting with the Divine and seeking His guidance and mercy. It is through this remembrance that the hearts are enlightened and illuminated.

The Quran affirms the importance of remembrance in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ra'd (13:28),

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 peace to the hearts of the believers.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:45), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, when you encounter a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm and remember Allah much, that you may be successful.

Here, we are reminded that remembrance of Allah strengthens our resolve and grants us success in times of difficulty and adversity.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transformative power of remembrance. When we engage in constant remembrance of Allah, our hearts become illuminated with His divine light. This illumination brings clarity, guidance, and spiritual growth. It allows us to perceive the world through the lens of faith and righteousness.

The consequences of this illumination are profound. It leads to a deeper understanding of the purpose of our existence and strengthens our connection with Allah. As our hearts become enlightened, we become more conscious of our actions and strive to align them with the teachings of Islam. This enlightenment also enables us to navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and resilience.

For example, when faced with a difficult decision, a heart illuminated by the remembrance of Allah will seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It will be more inclined towards righteousness and will prioritize pleasing Allah over worldly desires. This illumination also helps us recognize the signs of Allah's presence and guidance in our lives, leading to a greater sense of gratitude and contentment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the profound impact of remembrance of Allah on our hearts. Through constant remembrance, our hearts are illuminated, leading to spiritual growth, guidance, and a deeper connection with Allah. Let us strive to engage in regular remembrance of Allah, through recitation of the Quran, supplication, and contemplation, so that our hearts may be enlightened and our lives may be filled with the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the ability to remember Him constantly and may He illuminate our hearts with His divine light.