ذاكِرُ اللّهِ مُؤانِسُهُ۔
The one who remembers Allah is His intimate friend.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Remembrance [Of Allah] And The Reminder)
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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.
The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "ذاكِرُ اللّهِ مُؤانِسُهُ۔" This can be translated as:
The one who remembers Allah is His intimate friend.
To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us first delve into the meanings of some important words. The word (dhakir) "ذاكِرُ" refers to the one who remembers or mentions Allah. It encompasses both the remembrance of Allah through verbal utterances and the remembrance of Allah through the heart and actions. The word (mu'ānisuhu) "مُؤانِسُهُ" means the intimate friend or companion. It signifies a close and deep relationship with Allah, where one constantly seeks His presence and guidance.
The importance of remembering Allah is emphasized throughout the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152):
So remember Me; I will remember you.
This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of remembrance, where Allah promises to remember those who remember Him. It is a beautiful manifestation of His mercy and love for His creation.
Furthermore, 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.
This verse emphasizes the importance of internalizing the remembrance of Allah, not only through verbal expressions but also through a deep sense of humility and consciousness. It reminds us to be in a constant state of remembrance, seeking His guidance and protection throughout our day.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the profound relationship between the one who remembers Allah and their status as His intimate friend. When we remember Allah, we establish a connection with Him, seeking His nearness and guidance. This remembrance is not limited to specific times or places but encompasses every aspect of our lives. It is a constant state of mindfulness and awareness of Allah's presence.
When we remember Allah, we are motivated to align our actions with His commandments and seek His pleasure. This remembrance acts as a guiding light, illuminating our path and protecting us from straying into darkness. It instills in us a sense of accountability and consciousness, reminding us that Allah is always watching over us.
The consequences of remembering Allah are profound. It brings about tranquility and peace to our hearts, even in times of difficulty and hardship. It strengthens our faith and increases our love for Allah. It helps us overcome our desires and temptations, as we are constantly reminded of our purpose in this world and the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter.
Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that the remembrance of Allah is not a mere ritual or a mechanical act. It is a transformative practice that shapes our character, purifies our souls, and strengthens our relationship with our Creator. It is a means of attaining closeness to Allah and seeking His guidance in every aspect of our lives.
As Muslims, let us strive to be among those who remember Allah and seek His intimate friendship. Let us make the remembrance of Allah a constant presence in our hearts and actions. May Allah grant us the ability to remember Him sincerely and continuously, and may He make us among His intimate friends in this world and the Hereafter.
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