Hadith #5017

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of engaging in the remembrance and worship of Allah during the night. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes this act as the devotion of the Gnostics and the delight of the Near Ones. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sahar) "سَهَرُ" in the Hadith refers to keeping vigil or staying awake during the night. It implies dedicating one's time and energy to the remembrance and worship of Allah. This act requires discipline, commitment, and a sincere desire to draw closer to Allah. The word (uyun) "عُيُونِ" means eyes, symbolizing the alertness and wakefulness of the heart and soul in the worship of Allah.

The phrase (bi-dhikrillah) "بِذِكْرِ اللّهِ" means

in the remembrance of Allah.

The remembrance of Allah encompasses various forms of worship, such as recitation of the Quran, supplication, glorification, and reflection upon His attributes and signs. It is through this remembrance that one attains spiritual elevation, enlightenment, and a deeper connection with the Divine.

The Hadith describes those who engage in this act as (khulsan al-'arifin) "خُلْصانُ الْعارِفينَ", which can be translated as

the devotion of the Gnostics.

The term (arifin) "عارِفينَ" refers to those who possess deep spiritual knowledge and understanding of Allah. They are individuals who have attained a high level of consciousness and closeness to Allah through their devotion and worship. Their hearts are illuminated with the light of faith, and they strive to seek nearness to Allah in all aspects of their lives.

The Hadith further states that this act is (hulwan al-muqarrabin) "حُلْوانُ الْمُقَرَّبينَ", which can be translated as

the delight of the Near Ones.

The term (muqarrabin) "مُقَرَّبينَ" refers to those who are close to Allah, the ones who have achieved a special status and proximity to Him. Engaging in the remembrance and worship of Allah during the night brings them immense joy, satisfaction, and spiritual fulfillment. It is through this act that they experience a profound connection with the Divine and taste the sweetness of nearness to Allah.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the importance of engaging in the remembrance and worship of Allah during the night. Allah says in Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:1-4):

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 Quran with measured recitation.

These verses highlight the significance of dedicating a portion of the night to prayer and recitation of the Quran. It is a time when the distractions of the world are minimized, and one can focus solely on their connection with Allah. The night prayer, known as Tahajjud, is a means of seeking forgiveness, guidance, and blessings from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:191), Allah says:

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.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of remembering Allah in various positions and circumstances. It encourages believers to reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth, recognizing the purpose and wisdom behind it. Engaging in such remembrance and reflection leads to seeking protection from the punishment of the Fire and attaining closeness to Allah.

In light of these Quranic verses and the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that keeping vigil at night in the remembrance and worship of Allah is a practice that holds great significance in Islam. It is a means of attaining spiritual enlightenment, seeking nearness to Allah, and experiencing the delight of a close relationship with Him. Muslims are encouraged to dedicate a portion of their nights to engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, recitation of the Quran, supplication, and reflection upon the signs of Allah.

By engaging in this devotion, Muslims can deepen their understanding of Allah, strengthen their faith, and purify their hearts. It is through this act of worship that they can strive to become among the Gnostics and the Near Ones, attaining a higher level of spiritual consciousness and closeness to Allah. May Allah bless us all with the ability to engage in the remembrance and worship of Him during the night, and may He grant us the delight of nearness to Him.