preface
Remembrance is a significant function of human mind. Not only our normal working in a given environment but also a sound and fine basis of our good moral character demands an exceptional capability of remembrance. Moral standards are remembered and followed. That is how we grow into our real person. But remembrance has yet another dimension. We remember much whom we love and like. The vice versa is also true.
Our din (religion of Islam) lays great emphasis on love for Allah and the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). Allah has revealed in the holy Qur’an:
“(O Esteemed Messenger!) Say: ‘If your fathers (forefathers) and your sons (daughters) and your brothers (sisters) and your wives and your (other) kith and kin and the riches that you have earned (so hard) and the trade and business that you dread may decline and the homes you are very fond of are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and struggling in His cause, then wait until Allah brings His command (of torment). Allah does not guide the disobedient.’”
At another occasion the holy Qur’an has described the believers as the resolute and most unfaltering lovers of Allah:
“And there are some among the people who take others apart from Allah as His partners and love them as it is due for Allah alone. But those who believe, they love Allah the most (far more intensely than anyone else).”
So, a strong relation of love with Allah and His Messenger forms the basis of our faith. When love overwhelms us we remember our beloved the most. Allah Himself gives us an example how one remembers whom one loves and ordains His servants to remember Him in the same fashion. He says:
“Then, when you have completed the ceremonies of Hajj (pilgrimage), then celebrate remembrance of Allah most earnestly, (at Mina), as you remember your fathers and forefathers (with great fondness) or remember (Allah) even with deeper intensity of fondness.”
Here, Allah has given us an example how we love our fathers and remember them intensely. As we love Allah the most we must therefore remember Him with proportional intensity. Thus the successive and frequent remembrance of Allah brings us the nearness of Allah and the station of true piety.
Allah has also revealed to us the truth that Satan is our open enemy. So it attempts the maximum to make us forget Allah and His Messenger (A):
“Satan has overpowered them so he has made them forget the remembrance of Allah; it is they who are Satan’s army. Know that indeed it is the party of Satan who are the losers.”
It is Satan and its army that are at work to cause us forgetfulness of Allah and His revealed path of love and remembrance. We therefore have to be on guard to keep watch against Satan and its tribe and ensure that we love Allah and His Messenger the most and remember them every moment as Allah has given us the command:
“O Believers! Keep remembering Allah excessively.”
We must keep in mind also the fact that after Satan was declared an outcast on denigrating the Prophet of Allah, the venerable Adam, he challenged that he would not miss any chance to mislead mankind taking them along behind him by catching hold of its nose-string:
“He said: ‘By your Honour, I shall turn all of them away from the straight path except those of Your servants who are most sincere to Your devotion.’”
That is how man has to face this challenge of Satan every moment in the life of this world which can be dealt with best by sticking tenaciously to the remembrance of Allah.
This is the significance of Allah’s remembrance for the believers stressed upon in the Prophetic traditions, a selection of which has been collected in this anthology.
Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri teaches us most effectively through his books and lectures how to face the Satanic challenge successfully by keeping our hearts immersed in the remembrance of Allah and His Holy Prophet. This collection of the Qur’anic verses and the Prophetic traditions manifests his transcendent spiritual vision on filling our hearts with the light of divine love. His eye is always on our hearts. His teachings remind us time and again:
“The Day when neither wealth nor sons will profit. But he alone (will be the gainer) who appears before the Presence of Allah with a clean and submissive heart.”
If I attempt to give the sum of his noble struggle in a few words, it is the most sincerely devoted effort to clean our hearts of all what endangers the love and remembrance of Allah and His Holy Messenger and make them submissive to the maximum. He is our spiritual master as well. Read any of his books and listen to any of his lecture cassette or CD, you will find him reaching our hearts most diligently to protect them from worldly temptations and imbuing them with the sacred light of love for Allah and His beloved Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace). Clearing and protecting our hearts is seen as the main concern of his life. This book has also accomplished the same task.
Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri does it in the tradition of the great saints like our spiritual master, supreme spiritual helper, the sovereign of all saints, the most venerable Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir al-Gilani (may Allah be well pleased with him). He wrote a large number of books and preached his message with great eloquence and perfect command of language. His teachings too concentrate on the purification of hearts. He writes in Jila’ al-Khatir (the purification of the mind):
“O you who are dead at heart! Keep remembering your Lord (عزوجل), reciting His Book and the traditions of His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) and attending sessions of remembrance. This will quicken your hearts as the earth is revived by the falling rain.
When the heart becomes sound, remembrance becomes permanent within it and gets inscribed on its sides and all over it.”
In the like manner our spiritual master as-Sayyid ‘Ali al-Hujwiri (Allah be well pleased with him) writes in his famous book Kashf al-Mahjub:
“It is recorded that Abu Muhammad ‘Abdullah B. Khubayq has said: ‘Whoever desires to be living in his life, let him not admit covetousness to dwell in his heart,’ because the covetous man is dead in the toils of his covetousness, which is like a seal on his heart; and the sealed heart is dead. Blessed is the heart that dies to all save God and lives through God, inasmuch as God has made His praise (remembrance) the glory of men’s hearts, and covetousness their disgrace; and to this effect is the saying of Abdullah B. Khubayq: ‘God created men’s hearts to be the homes of His praise (remembrance) but they have become the homes of lust; and nothing can clear them of lust except an agitating fear or a restless love.’ Fear and love are the two pillars of faith.”
It so happens that when heart is inundated with the remembrance of Allah and the servant is lifted out of himself in the ecstasy of love, the divine bliss enters the blood stream and illumines every cell of the body with a glow. Imam Abu’l-Qasim al-Qushayri has recorded an incident in al-Risala al-Qushayriya (Sufi Book of Spiritual Ascent) illustrating this station of the rememberer of Allah:
“I heard Abu Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami say … that al-Jurayri said, “There was a man among my companions who was always chanting: God, God! One day a tree fell on his head and fractured his skull. Blood flowed, and it wrote upon the earth: God, God!”
All praises are for Allah (عزوجل). This collection of the Qur’anic verses and the Prophetic traditions on remembrance of Allah in your hand inspires us with a state of mind
that brings us bountiful blessings of Allah.
REMEMBRANCE
1. فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُواْ لِي وَلاَ تَكْفُرُونِO
So remember Me, I shall remember you and thank Me always and never be ungrateful to Me.
2. وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّن مَّنَعَ مَسَاجِدَ اللّهِ أَن يُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ وَسَعَى فِي خَرَابِهَا أُوْلَـئِكَ مَا كَانَ لَهُمْ أَن يَدْخُلُوهَا إِلاَّ خَآئِفِينَ لهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا خِزْيٌ وَلَهُمْ فِي الآخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌO
And who is more unjust than he who forbids remembering Allah’s Name in His mosques and strives to desolate them? It was not proper for them; (what was desirable for them was) to enter the mosques fearing (Allah). For them is disgrace in this world and a dreadful torment (also) awaits them in the Hereafter.
3. لَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَبْتَغُواْ فَضْلاً مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَإِذَا أَفَضْتُم مِّنْ عَرَفَاتٍ فَاذْكُرُواْ اللّهَ عِندَ الْمَشْعَرِ الْحَرَامِ وَاذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَاكُمْ وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلِهِ لَمِنَ الضَّآلِّينَO
And it is no sin on you if you seek (also) your Lord’s bounty (through trade during Hajj days). Then when you return from ‘Arafāt, remember Allah near Mash‘ar al-Harām (Muzdalifah), and remember Him as He has guided you; surely you had gone astray before.
4. فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُم مَّنَاسِكَكُمْ فَاذْكُرُواْ اللّهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ آبَاءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًا فَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَمَا لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلاَقٍO
And when you have completed the ceremonies of Hajj, remember Allah most earnestly, (at Minā), as you remember your fathers and forefathers (with great fondness) or remember (Allah) even with deeper intensity of fondness. There are some of the people who pray: ‘O our Lord! Grant us benefits in this (very) world.’ For such there is no share in the Hereafter.
5. وَاذْكُرُواْ اللّهَ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْدُودَاتٍ فَمَن تَعَجَّلَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ فَلاَ إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ وَمَن تَأَخَّرَ فَلَا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ لِمَنِ اتَّقَى وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَO
And remember Allah (the most) during (these) numbered days. Then, if someone hastens just in two days (to return from Mina) there is no sin on him and he who delays (it) also commits no sin. This is for him who fears Allah and keep fearing Allah and remember that all of you shall be assembled before Him.
6. حَافِظُواْ عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ والصَّلاَةِ الْوُسْطَى وَقُومُواْ لِلّهِ قَانِتِينَO فَإنْ خِفْتُمْ فَرِجَالاً أَوْ رُكْبَانًا فَإِذَا أَمِنتُمْ فَاذْكُرُواْ اللّهَ كَمَا عَلَّمَكُم مَّا لَمْ تَكُونُواْ تَعْلَمُونَO
Guard strictly all the prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah as an embodiment of submissiveness and devotion. But if you are in a state of fear, then whether walking or riding, (as may be, do offer prayer) but once you get back to peace, remember Allah the way He has taught you which you did not know.
7. قَالَ رَبِّ أَنَّى يَكُونُ لِي غُلاَمٌ وَقَدْ بَلَغَنِيَ الْكِبَرُ وَامْرَأَتِي عَاقِرٌ قَالَ كَذَلِكَ اللّهُ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَاءُOقَالَ رَبِّ اجْعَل لِّي آيَةً قَالَ آيَتُكَ أَلاَّ تُكَلِّمَ النَّاسَ ثَلاَثَةَ أَيَّامٍ إِلاَّ رَمْزًا وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ كَثِيرًا وَسَبِّحْ بِالْعَشِيِّ وَالْإِبْكَارِO
(Zakaria) submitted: ‘O my Lord! How shall I have a son when old age has already overtaken me and my wife is (also) barren?’ He said: ‘The same way as Allah does whatever He wills.’ Zakaria submitted: ‘O my Lord! Fix a sign for me.’ Allah said: ‘The sign for you is that for three days you will not be able to speak to the people except by gestures; and remember your Lord excessively and glorify Him persistently evening and morning.’
8. ذَلِكَ نَتْلُوهُ عَلَيْكَ مِنَ الْآيَاتِ وَالذِّكْرِ الْحَكِيمِO
These which We recite to you are Signs, and instruction full of wisdom.
9. وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُواْ فَاحِشَةً أَوْ ظَلَمُواْ أَنْفُسَهُمْ ذَكَرُواْ اللّهَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُواْ لِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَمَن يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلاَّ اللّهُ وَلَمْ يُصِرُّواْ عَلَى مَا فَعَلُواْ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَO
And such are (the God-fearing) people that when they commit some indecency or wrong themselves, they call Allah to mind and then seek forgiveness for their sins; and who can forgive sins except Allah? and they do not deliberately persist in doing the sinful acts that they have committed.
10. إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلاَفِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَاتٍ لِّأُوْلِي الْأَلْبَابِO الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَى جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَذَا بَاطِلاً سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِO
Indeed in the creation of the heavens and the earth and alternation of day and night there are Signs (of Allah’s Absolute Authority) for those who possess sense and wisdom. These are the people who remain in remembrance of Allah standing (as embodiment of submissiveness), sitting (as reverence incarnate) and (also) while changing sides (in discomfort of love) and meditate on (effulgent disclosures of His Grandeur and Beauty, at work in) the creation of the heavens and the earth. (Getting such a taste for His gnosis they call out spontaneously): ‘Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without any rationale and strategy. You are (impeccably) Pure (of all shortcomings and dependencies). Protect us from the torment of Hell.’
11. فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ الصَّلاَةَ فَاذْكُرُواْ اللّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَى جُنُوبِكُمْ فَإِذَا اطْمَأْنَنتُمْ فَأَقِيمُواْ الصَّلاَةَ إِنَّ الصَّلاَةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَّوْقُوتًاO
So (O Muslim combatants!) when you have finished your prayers, remember Allah (in all postures) standing, sitting and (lying down) on your sides. And when (free of fear) you feel secure, observe prayers (as prescribed). Verily, prayer is obligatory for all the Muslims in accordance with the fixed timings.
12. إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ يُخَادِعُونَ اللّهَ وَهُوَ خَادِعُهُمْ وَإِذَا قَامُواْ إِلَى الصَّلاَةِ قَامُواْ كُسَالَى يُرَآؤُونَ النَّاسَ وَلاَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللّهَ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاًO
Surly the hypocrites (self-deluding) seek to deceive Allah while He is about to make them suffer for (their self-) deception. When they stand up for prayer, they do it sluggishly (just) for showing to the people and they (also) remember Allah but little.
13. يَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا أُحِلَّ لَهُمْ قُلْ أُحِلَّ لَكُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتُ وَمَا عَلَّمْتُم مِّنَ الْجَوَارِحِ مُكَلِّبِينَ تُعَلِّمُونَهُنَّ مِمَّا عَلَّمَكُمُ اللّهُ فَكُلُواْ مِمَّا أَمْسَكْنَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَاذْكُرُواْ اسْمَ اللّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ إِنَّ اللّهَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِO
People ask you, what has been made lawful for them? Say (to them): ‘All pure provisions are declared lawful for you and the hunting animals whom you have trained while running them for prey and this way have imparted to them (those hunting methods) which Allah has taught you. Then eat (also) of that (prey) which the hunting animals catch for you (after hunting). Pronounce the Name of Allah over that (prey when you unleash the hunting beasts to hunt it) and fear Allah; indeed Allah is Swift in calling to account.
14. إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَن يُوقِعَ بَيْنَكُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَالْبَغْضَاءَ فِي الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ وَيَصُدَّكُمْ عَن ذِكْرِ اللّهِ وَعَنِ الصَّلاَةِ فَهَلْ أَنتُم مُّنتَهُونَO
Satan seeks only to breed enmity and spite among you by means of wine and gambling and to hinder you from remembering Allah and praying. Will you abstain from (these evil temptations)?
15. أَوَعَجِبْتُمْ أَن جَاءَكُمْ ذِكْرٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ عَلَى رَجُلٍ مِّنكُمْ لِيُنذِرَكُمْ وَلِتَتَّقُواْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَO
Do you wonder that admonition from your Lord has come (on the tongue) of a man from among yourselves so that he warns you (of the chastisement of Allah) and you become God-fearing? And so that you may gain Mercy?
16. وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعاً وَخِيفَةً وَدُونَ الْجَهْرِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ وَلاَ تَكُن مِّنَ الْغَافِلِينَO إِنَّ الَّذِينَ عِندَ رَبِّكَ لاَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِهِ وَيُسَبِّحُونَهُ وَلَهُ يَسْجُدُونَO
And remember your Lord in your heart with humility and tearfulness and fear and repentance and also by calling in low tones. (Persist in His remembrance) morning and evening and be not of the neglectful. Indeed the (angels) who are close in the Presence of your Lord (never) commit arrogance against His worship and (constantly) glorify Him and remain prostrated before Him.
17. إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَO
The believers are only those whose hearts, when Allah is mentioned before them, are filled with awe (on the very idea of Allah’s Grandeur and Majesty); and when His Revelations are recited to them, then (the ecstatic, delightful and sublime Words of the Beloved) enhance their faith and they (maintain) their trust in their Lord (under all circumstances and do not look towards any other but Him).
18. يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ إِذَا لَقِيتُمْ فِئَةً فَاثْبُتُواْ وَاذْكُرُواْ اللّهَ كَثِيرًا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَO
O Believers! When you encounter any (enemy) army, stand firm and remember Allah excessively so that you may win.
19. وَيَقُولُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ لَوْلاَ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ آيَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِ قُلْ إِنَّ اللّهَ يُضِلُّ مَن يَشَاءُ وَيَهْدِي إِلَيْهِ مَنْ أَنَابَO الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللّهِ أَلاَ بِذِكْرِ اللّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُO
Say: ‘Verily Allah, (despite Signs), leads astray whom He wills and guides towards Himself the one who turns to Him in repentance. Those who believe, their hearts become free of all anxieties owing to remembrance of Allah. Beware that it is only remembrance of Allah that brings to your hearts freedom from all anxieties.’
20. إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَO
Assuredly it is We Who have sent down this (dhikr) Glorious Admonition (the Quran) and it is surely We Who will guard it.
21. وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ إِلاَّ رِجَالاً نُّوحِي إِلَيْهِمْ فَاسْأَلُواْ أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لاَ تَعْلَمُونَO
And before you also We sent only men as Messengers towards whom We sent Our Revelations. So if you (yourselves) do not know anything then ask the people of remembrance.
22. وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الذِّكْرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَO
And (O Glorious Messenger!) We have sent down to you the Glorious Remembrance (the Quran) so that you may explain clearly to people (the message and the commandments) that have been sent down for them and that they may meditate.
23. وَجَعَلْنَا عَلَى قُلُوبِهِمْ أَكِنَّةً أَن يَفْقَهُوهُ وَفِي آذَانِهِمْ وَقْرًا وَإِذَا ذَكَرْتَ رَبَّكَ فِي الْقُرْآنِ وَحْدَهُ وَلَّوْاْ عَلَى أَدْبَارِهِمْ نُفُورًاO
And We cover (also) their hearts in wrappers so that they may (not) get to its meaning and plug their ears with a sensation of heaviness (so that they may not listen to it) and when you mention you Lord Alone in the Quran (and the names of their idols are not mentioned) then, in extreme dislike, they turn their backs and flee away.
24. وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ إِذَا نَسِيتَ.
And remember your Lord when you forget.
25. وَاصْبِرْ نَفْسَكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِالْغَدَاةِ وَالْعَشِيِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُ وَلاَ تَعْدُ عَيْنَاكَ عَنْهُمْ تُرِيدُ زِينَةَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَلاَ تُطِعْ مَنْ أَغْفَلْنَا قَلْبَهُ عَن ذِكْرِنَا وَاتَّبَعَ هَوَاهُ وَكَانَ أَمْرُهُ فُرُطًاO
(O my servant!) Continue tenaciously your companionship with those who remember their Lord morning and evening, ardently seeking His pleasure, (keen for a glimpse of and eagerly aspiring to glance at His radiant countenance); your (affectionate and caring) looks must not but focus on them. Do you seek charisma of the worldly life (shifting your attention from these outwardly destitute divine people)? And (also) do not follow him whose heart We have made neglectful of Our remembrance and who follows but the urges of his (ill-commanding self) and his case has exceeded all bounds.
26. وَعَرَضْنَا جَهَنَّمَ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْكَافِرِينَ عَرْضًاO الَّذِينَ كَانَتْ أَعْيُنُهُمْ فِي غِطَاءِ عَن ذِكْرِي وَكَانُوا لاَ يَسْتَطِيعُونَ سَمْعًاO
On that Day, We shall bring forth Hell before the disbelievers fully naked to their view. Their eyes were veiled (by negligence) against My Remembrance and they could not even listen (to My Remembrance).
27. وَأَنَا اخْتَرْتُكَ فَاسْتَمِعْ لِمَا يُوحَىO إِنَّنِي أَنَا اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدْنِي وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِيO
And I have chosen you (as My Messenger), so listen to what is being revealed to you with absolute attentiveness; verily I alone am Allah; there is no God beside Me. So worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.’
28. قَالَ رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِيO وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِيO وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِيO يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِيO وَاجْعَل لِّي وَزِيرًا مِّنْ أَهْلِيO هَارُونَ أَخِيO اشْدُدْ بِهِ أَزْرِيO وَأَشْرِكْهُ فِي أَمْرِيO كَيْ نُسَبِّحَكَ كَثِيرًاO وَنَذْكُرَكَ كَثِيرًاO إِنَّكَ كُنتَ بِنَا بَصِيرًاO
Musa prayed: ‘O my Lord! Open my breast (mind) and expand it for me; and make my task (as a Messenger) easy for me; and loosen the knot from my tongue so that people may understand (easily) what I say; and appoint for me a minister from my family; that is Haroon, my brother. Strengthen my back by him and make him share my task (as a Messenger), so that we (both) may amply glorify You and remember You a great deal. Surely You see us well (in the perspective of total scenario).’
29. اذْهَبْ أَنتَ وَأَخُوكَ بِآيَاتِي وَلَا تَنِيَا فِي ذِكْرِيO
(Musa) Go, you and your brother with My signs and do not slacken in remembering Me.
30. كَذَلِكَ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنبَاءِ مَا قَدْ سَبَقَ وَقَدْ آتَيْنَاكَ مِن لَّدُنَّا ذِكْرًاO
(O Esteemed Beloved!) Thus We communicate to you information about those (people) who have passed away and We have surely given you from Our Exclusive Presence (an Admonishing Book) as a Reminder (dhirk).
31. وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَن ذِكْرِي فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَعْمَىO قَالَ رَبِّ لِمَ حَشَرْتَنِي أَعْمَى وَقَدْ كُنتُ بَصِيرًاO قَالَ كَذَلِكَ أَتَتْكَ آيَاتُنَا فَنَسِيتَهَا وَكَذَلِكَ الْيَوْمَ تُنسَىO
And he who turns away from My Admonition (remembrance and following direction and guidance), his worldly sustenance will be put under tight control and will be raised blind on the Day of Resurrection. He will say: ‘O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind (today) whereas I had vision (in the world)?’ Allah will say: ‘Like this Our Signs came to you (in the world) but you disregarded them and the same way you (too) will be disregarded today.’
32. مَا يَأْتِيهِم مِّن ذِكْرٍ مَّن رَّبِّهِم مُّحْدَثٍ إِلَّا اسْتَمَعُوهُ وَهُمْ يَلْعَبُونَO
Whenever some fresh admonition comes to them from their Lord, they listen to it with such (carelessness) as if they are engaged in sport.
33. وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا قَبْلَكَ إِلاَّ رِجَالاً نُّوحِي إِلَيْهِمْ فَاسْأَلُواْ أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لاَ تَعْلَمُونَO
And (O Esteemed Beloved!) We sent only men (as prophets) before you (also); We used to send them revelations. So (O people!) if you do not know (yourselves), ask the people of remembrance.
34. وَإِذَا رَآكَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِن يَتَّخِذُونَكَ إِلَّا هُزُوًا أَهَذَا الَّذِي يَذْكُرُ آلِهَتَكُمْ وَهُم بِذِكْرِ الرَّحْمَنِ هُمْ كَافِرُونَO
And when the disbelievers see you, they just start mocking at you (and say): ‘Is this he who talks about your gods (with rejection and denial)?’ And yet it is they themselves who reject remembrance of the Most Kind (Lord).
35. قُلْ مَن يَكْلَؤُكُم بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ مِنَ الرَّحْمَنِ بَلْ هُمْ عَن ذِكْرِ رَبِّهِم مُّعْرِضُونَO
Say: ‘Who can guard and save you from (the punishment) of the Most Kind (Lord) by night and by day?’ In fact they keep away from remembrance of the (same) Lord.
36. وَأَذِّن فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَى كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍO لِيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَO
And proclaim Pilgrimage among the people. They will approach you walking and (mounted) on very lean camels, coming by distant tracks so that they may (also) avail themselves of their benefits and may pronounce on the appointed days the Name of Allah (while slaughtering) the cattle which Allah has provided for them (for sacrifice). Then eat of them yourselves and (also) feed the wretched needy.
37. وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ جَعَلْنَا مَنسَكًا لِيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَإِلَهُكُمْ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ فَلَهُ أَسْلِمُوا وَبَشِّرِ الْمُخْبِتِينَO الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَالصَّابِرِينَ عَلَى مَا أَصَابَهُمْ وَالْمُقِيمِي الصَّلَاةِ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَO
And We have appointed a sacrifice for every people so that (at the time of sacrifice) they pronounce the Name of Allah over the cattle (quadrupeds) that Allah has provided for them. And your God is (only) One God so submit wholly to Him alone, and (O Beloved) give good news to those who humble themselves. (They are) those whose hearts tremble with fear when Allah is remembered and they bear with patience whatever hardships befall them; they establish prayer and spend in the cause of Allah out of that which We have provided for them.
38. وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لَّهُدِّمَتْ صَوَامِعُ وَبِيَعٌ وَصَلَوَاتٌ وَمَسَاجِدُ يُذْكَرُ فِيهَا اسْمُ اللَّهِ كَثِيرًا وَلَيَنصُرَنَّ اللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَقَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌO
And had Allah not been repelling one class of human society by the other (through militant revolutionary struggle) the cloisters, temples, churches and mosques (i.e. religious centres and worship places of all religions) would have been ruined where Allah’s Name is extensively commemorated. And he who helps Allah’s (Deen), Allah surely helps him. Allah is indeed the All-Powerfull, Ever Dominant (over all) (i.e. the survival of good is possible only through the revolutionary process of contradiction and conflict between good and evil).
39. إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَرِيقٌ مِّنْ عِبَادِي يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَOفَاتَّخَذْتُمُوهُمْ سِخْرِيًّا حَتَّى أَنسَوْكُمْ ذِكْرِي وَكُنتُم مِّنْهُمْ تَضْحَكُونَO
Indeed there was a group of My servants who used to submit (before My Presence): ‘Our Lord! We have believed, so forgive us, and have Mercy on us; (surely) You are best of the merciful.’ But you used to laugh at them till they made you forget My remembrance and you (just) continued making fun of them.
40. فِي بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ اللَّهُ أَن تُرْفَعَ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ فِيهَا بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِO رِجَالٌ لَّا تُلْهِيهِمْ تِجَارَةٌ وَلَا بَيْعٌ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ يَخَافُونَ يَوْمًا تَتَقَلَّبُ فِيهِ الْقُلُوبُ وَالْأَبْصَارُO لِيَجْزِيَهُمُ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنَ مَا عَمِلُوا وَيَزِيدَهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ وَاللَّهُ يَرْزُقُ مَن يَشَاءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍO
(This Light of Allah illumines) such houses (mosques and centres) which Allah has ordained to exalt (i.e. enhance their esteem and prestige) and commemorate His Name therein; (these are the houses) in which (Allah’s servants) glorify Him morning and evening. (Those who are blessed with this Light) are the servants of (Allah) whom neither trade nor sale diverts from remembrance of Allah and from establishing prayer and paying Zakat (the Alms-due). (Even while performing their worldly duties) they fear the Day when hearts and eyes will (all) overturn (with terror) so that Allah may give them best reward for the (good deeds) they have done and may bestow upon them (still) more out of His bounty. And Allah blesses with His sustenance (and provisions) those whom He wills without measure.
41. وَيَوْمَ يَحْشُرُهُمْ وَمَا يَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ فَيَقُولُ أَأَنتُمْ أَضْلَلْتُمْ عِبَادِي هَؤُلَاءِ أَمْ هُمْ ضَلُّوا السَّبِيلَO قَالُوا سُبْحَانَكَ مَا كَانَ يَنبَغِي لَنَا أَن نَّتَّخِذَ مِن دُونِكَ مِنْ أَوْلِيَاءَ وَلَكِن مَّتَّعْتَهُمْ وَآبَاءَهُمْ حَتَّى نَسُوا الذِّكْرَ وَكَانُوا قَوْمًا بُورًاO
On that Day Allah will assemble them together with those whom they worshipped instead of Allah. He will ask them: ‘Was it you who led astray these servants of Mine or did they (themselves) go astray from the path?’ They will say: ‘Glory be to You; it did not become us (even) to take friends other than You (what to talk of asking them to worship others besides You). (Lord!) You bestowed upon them and their forefathers worldly riches to such an extent that they forgot (even) to remember You. And these were the (doomed) people to be destroyed.’
42. لَقَدْ أَضَلَّنِي عَنِ الذِّكْرِ بَعْدَ إِذْ جَاءَنِي وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِلْإِنسَانِ خَذُولًاO
Surely he led me astray from the admonition after it had come to me and Satan leaves man helpless and deserted (in the time of difficulty).
43. وَالشُّعَرَاءُ يَتَّبِعُهُمُ الْغَاوُونَO أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّهُمْ فِي كُلِّ وَادٍ يَهِيمُونَO وَأَنَّهُمْ يَقُولُونَ مَا لَا يَفْعَلُونَO إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَذَكَرُوا اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَانتَصَرُوا مِن بَعْدِ مَا ظُلِمُوا وَسَيَعْلَمُ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا أَيَّ مُنقَلَبٍ يَنقَلِبُونَO
And only the misled follow the poets. Have you not seen that these (poets) wander distracted (purposelessly) in every valley (of reflections? They take little serious and true interest in reality; they rather remain happy and lost in verbal leaps and imaginative jumps.) And that they say (such things) that they do not (themselves) do. Except for those (poets) who believe and do pious deeds and remember Allah excessively (i.e. they compose hymns glorifying Allah and the Holy Prophet and become hymnologists) and avenge themselves after they are wronged (through poetic compositions and defend Islam and the oppressed rather inspire them with zeal through their poetry; such poetry is not condemnable). And those who do wrong will soon come to know to what place of turning they shall turn back (after death).
44. اتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَلَذِكْرُ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَO
(O Esteemed Beloved!) Recite that Book which has been sent down to you (by Revelation) and establish prayer; surely prayer prevents from indecency, vulgarity and sin. And verily Remembrance of Allah is the greatest thing and Allah knows all the (deeds) that you do.
45. إِنَّمَا يُؤْمِنُ بِآيَاتِنَا الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا بِهَا خَرُّوا سُجَّدًا وَسَبَّحُوا بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَهُمْ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُونَO
So only those believe in Our Revelations who are directed and guided by means of these (Verses) and they fall down prostrate and glorify the praises of their Lord and are not arrogant.
46. لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًاO
Indeed in Allah’s Messenger there is most perfect and beautiful pattern (of life) for you, for every such person who expects and aspires (Meeting) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah excessively.
47. إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ وَالْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْقَانِتِينَ وَالْقَانِتَاتِ وَالصَّادِقِينَ وَالصَّادِقَاتِ وَالصَّابِرِينَ وَالصَّابِرَاتِ وَالْخَاشِعِينَ وَالْخَاشِعَاتِ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقِينَ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقَاتِ وَالصَّائِمِينَ وَالصَّائِمَاتِ وَالْحَافِظِينَ فُرُوجَهُمْ وَالْحَافِظَاتِ وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًاO
Surely men who submit themselves wholly to Allah and the women who submit themselves wholly to Allah, and men who believe and women who believe, and men who are obedient and women who are obedient, and men who are truthful and women who are truthful and men who are steadfast and women who are steadfast, and men who are humble and women who are humble, and men who give alms and women who give alms, and men who fast and women who fast, and men who guard their chastity and women who guard their chastity, and men who remember Allah excessively and women who remember Allah excessively: Allah has prepared for all of them forgiveness and a mighty reward.
48. يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًاO وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًاO
O Believers! Keep remembering Allah excessively and glorify Him morning and evening.
49. إِنَّمَا تُنذِرُ مَنِ اتَّبَعَ الذِّكْرَ وَخَشِيَ الرَّحْمَن بِالْغَيْبِ فَبَشِّرْهُ بِمَغْفِرَةٍ وَأَجْرٍ كَرِيمٍO
You can warn only him who follows the Direction and Guidance and fears the Most Kind Lord unseen; so give him the good news of forgiveness and a reward of great honour.
50. أَفَمَن شَرَحَ اللَّهُ صَدْرَهُ لِلْإِسْلَامِ فَهُوَ عَلَى نُورٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِ فَوَيْلٌ لِّلْقَاسِيَةِ قُلُوبُهُم مِّن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ أُوْلَئِكَ فِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍO اللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ الْحَدِيثِ كِتَابًا مُّتَشَابِهًا مَّثَانِيَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ذَلِكَ هُدَى اللَّهِ يَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَمَن يُضْلِلْ اللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ هَادٍO
So, he whose breast Allah has opened for Islam is (placed) in the light from His Lord (but on the contrary) they whose hearts are hardened because of (being deprived of the Bounty of) Allah’s remembrance (are destined to ruin). It is they who are in open error. It is Allah Who has sent down the best Word, that is a Book whose verses agree to one another (in format and meaning) and are repeated frequently. It sends a hair-raising shudder in the bodies of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and hearts get softened (and they get lost) into the Remembrance of Allah (in a weeping mood). It is Guidance from Allah and He guides with it those whom He pleases. And he whom Allah turns from guidance away (i.e. leaves strayed) has no one to guide him.
51. وَإِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ اشْمَأَزَّتْ قُلُوبُ الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْآخِرَةِ وَإِذَا ذُكِرَ الَّذِينَ مِن دُونِهِ إِذَا هُمْ يَسْتَبْشِرُونَO
And when only Allah, the One, is mentioned, the hearts of those who disbelieve in the Hereafter constrict and recoil with disgust and when the idols (which they worship) are mentioned instead of Allah, they rejoice all of a sudden.
52. إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِالذِّكْرِ لَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ وَإِنَّهُ لَكِتَابٌ عَزِيزٌO لاَّ يَأْتِيهِ الْبَاطِلُ مِن بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَلَا مِنْ خَلْفِهِ تَنْزِيلٌ مِّنْ حَكِيمٍ حَمِيدٍO
Indeed those who rejected dhikr (disbelieved in the Quran) when it came to them (Allah will avenge their disbelief); and surely it (the Quran) is a Mighty Venerable Book. Falsehood cannot approach it (the Quran) from before or behind. (It) is sent down by the Most Wise, the Most Praiseworthy (Lord).
53. أَفَنَضْرِبُ عَنكُمُ الذِّكْرَ صَفْحًا أَن كُنتُمْ قَوْمًا مُّسْرِفِينَO
And should We withhold this Direction and Guidance from you because you are a people who exceed limits?
54. وَمَن يَعْشُ عَن ذِكْرِ الرَّحْمَنِ نُقَيِّضْ لَهُ شَيْطَانًا فَهُوَ لَهُ قَرِينٌO
And he who loses sight of the remembrance of the Most Kind (Lord) We appoint a Satan to stick to him (all the time).
55. فَاسْتَمْسِكْ بِالَّذِي أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ إِنَّكَ عَلَى صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍO وَإِنَّهُ لَذِكْرٌ لَّكَ وَلِقَوْمِكَ وَسَوْفَ تُسْأَلُونَO
So hold fast to this (Quran) which has been revealed to you. Surely you are (firm) on the straight path. And verily this (Quran) is the Most Great honour for you and for your Ummah and (O People!) you will be soon asked (as to how strong and firm a relation you established with the Quran).
56. فَأَعْرِضْ عَن مَّن تَوَلَّى عَن ذِكْرِنَا وَلَمْ يُرِدْ إِلَّا الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَاO
So do not care for him who turns away from Our Remembrance and desires nothing but the life of this world.
57. وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍO
And indeed We have made the Quran easy for Direction and Guidance but is there any who will take the advice?
58. أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَن تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَلَا يَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَO
Has the time not (yet) come for the believers that their hearts get humbled with tenderness for the remembrance of Allah and for that Truth (as well) which has been sent down and that they do not become like those who were given the book before this? Then a long time passed over them and their hearts hardened and many of them are disobedient.
59. اسْتَحْوَذَ عَلَيْهِمُ الشَّيْطَانُ فَأَنسَاهُمْ ذِكْرَ اللَّهِ أُوْلَئِكَ حِزْبُ الشَّيْطَانِ أَلَا إِنَّ حِزْبَ الشَّيْطَانِ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَO
Satan has overpowered them so he has made them forget the remembrance of Allah; it is they who are Satan’s army. Know that indeed it is the party of Satan who are the losers.
60. يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلَاةِ مِن يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ذَلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَO فَإِذَا قُضِيَتِ الصَّلَاةُ فَانتَشِرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَابْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَO
O Believers! When the call is made for (Friday) prayer on Friday, hasten towards the remembrance of Allah (i.e. sermon and prayer) immediately and abandon purchase and sale (business). That is better for you if you have knowledge. Then after the prayer is offered, disperse in the land and (then) look for Allah’s Bounty (sustenance) and remember Allah much so that you are successful.
61. يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُلْهِكُمْ أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُكُمْ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ فَأُوْلَئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَO
O Believers! Let not your wealth and your children make you negligent of the remembrance of Allah, and he who does so then it is they who are the losers.
62. وَكَأَيِّن مِّن قَرْيَةٍ عَتَتْ عَنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّهَا وَرُسُلِهِ فَحَاسَبْنَاهَا حِسَابًا شَدِيدًا وَعَذَّبْنَاهَا عَذَابًا نُّكْرًاOفَذَاقَتْ وَبَالَ أَمْرِهَا وَكَانَ عَاقِبَةُ أَمْرِهَا خُسْرًاO أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَا أُوْلِي الْأَلْبَابِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قَدْ أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ إِلَيْكُمْ ذِكْرًاO
And how many towns there were (the inhabitants of) which disobeyed and revolted against the command of their Lord and His Messengers! So We called them to account in shape of fierce accountability and seized them with such a severe torment which was never seen or even heard of. So they tasted the evil consequence of their doings and their affair ended up in total loss. Allah has prepared for them severe torment (in the Hereafter too). So keep fearing Allah, O men of reason, you who have believed. No doubt it is you towards whom Allah has sent down the admonition (the Quran).
63. وَإِن يَكَادُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَيُزْلِقُونَكَ بِأَبْصَارِهِمْ لَمَّا سَمِعُوا الذِّكْرَ وَيَقُولُونَ إِنَّهُ لَمَجْنُونٌO
And indeed when the disbelievers listen to the Quran it seems as if they wish to harm you with their (jealously evil) looks and say: ‘Surely, he is insane.’
64. وَمَن يُعْرِضْ عَن ذِكْرِ رَبِّهِ يَسْلُكْهُ عَذَابًا صَعَدًاO
And he who turns away from the remembrance of his Lord He will cause him to enter a severe torment.
65. وَاذْكُرِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ وَتَبَتَّلْ إِلَيْهِ تَبْتِيلًاO
And continue remembering the Name of your Lord, devoted completely to Him alone (in your heart and soul), cut off from everyone else.
66. فَاصْبِرْ لِحُكْمِ رَبِّكَ وَلَا تُطِعْ مِنْهُمْ آثِمًا أَوْ كَفُورًاO وَاذْكُرِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًاO وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَاسْجُدْ لَهُ وَسَبِّحْهُ لَيْلًا طَوِيلًاO
So (continue to) be patient for the sake of your Lord’s Command and do not give your ear to any liar, sinner or disbeliever or thankless person from among them. And remember the Name of your Lord morning and evening. And prostrate before His Presence for some hours of the night and sanctify and glorify Him during (the rest of) the long hours of the night.
67. وَالْمُرْسَلَاتِ عُرْفًاO فَالْعَاصِفَاتِ عَصْفًاO وَالنَّاشِرَاتِ نَشْرًاO فَالْفَارِقَاتِ فَرْقًاOفَالْمُلْقِيَاتِ ذِكْرًاO
By the soft blowing pleasant breezes which blow in succession; then by the violent winds which blow with fierce gusts; and by those which spread the clouds; then by those which split (them) apart and break them off; then by those which bring dhikr (direction and guidance).
68. قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن تَزَكَّىO وَذَكَرَ اسْمَ رَبِّهِ فَصَلَّىO
Indeed only he will triumph who is purified of (the afflictions of his ill-commanding self and pollution of sins) and remembers the Name of his Lord and offers prayers (regularly and excessively).
69. وَرَفَعْنَا لَكَ ذِكْرَكَO
And We have exalted for you your remembrance.Refrences
Chapter 1: One who remembers Allah (SWT) is alive and one who does not is dead
1. عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: مَثَلُ الَّذِي يَذْكُرُ رَبَّهُ وَالَّذِي لَا يَذْكُرُ رَبَّهُ مَثَلُ الْحَيِّ وَالْمَيِّتِ.
Abu Musa (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “He who remembers his Lord and he who does not are like the living and the dead.”
2. عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى رضي الله عنه عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: مَثَلُ الْبَيْتِ الَّذِي يُذْكَرُ اللَّهُ فِيهِ وَالْبَيْتِ الَّذِي لَا يُذْكَرُ اللَّهُ فِيهِ مَثَلُ الْحَيِّ وَالْمَيِّتِ.
Abu Musa (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “The house in which Allah (SWT) is remembered and the one in which Allah (SWT) is not remembered are like the living and the dead.”
Chapter 2: Allah (SWT) evokes His rememberers on the Throne
3. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: يَقُولُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى: أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي، وَأَنَا مَعَهُ إِذَا ذَكَرَنِي. فَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ، ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي. وَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلَإٍ، ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلَإٍ خَيْرٍ مِنْهُمْ. وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَيَّ بِشِبْرٍ، تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ ذِرَاعًا. وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَيَّ ذِرَاعًا، تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ بَاعًا. وَإِنْ أَتَانِي يَمْشِي، أَتَيْتُهُ هَرْوَلَةً.
According to Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) , the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah (SWT) says: I am to My servant as he thinks of Me and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in his heart (quietly), I remember him in secret (quietly). If he remembers Me in a gathering (loudly), I remember him in a gathering better than them (loudly). If he draws near Me a span, I get near him an arm’s length. If he draws near Me an arm’s length, I get near him a fathom. And if he comes towards Me walking, I go towards him running.”
4. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: يَقُولُ اللَّهُ عزوجل: أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي، وَأَنَا مَعَهُ حِينَ يَذْكُرُنِي. إِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي. وَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلَإٍ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلَإٍ هُمْ خَيْرٌ مِنْهُمْ. وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ مِنِّي شِبْرًا تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ ذِرَاعًا. وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَيَّ ذِرَاعًا تَقَرَّبْتُ مِنْهُ بَاعًا. وَإِنْ أَتَانِي يَمْشِي أَتَيْتُهُ هَرْوَلَةً.
According to Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) , the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah (SWT) says, ‘I am compatible with My servant’s opinion of Me and I am with him if he remembers Me. So if he remembers Me in his heart (secretly) I remember him in quiet (secretly). If he remembers Me in a gathering (openly), I remember him in a gathering better than them (openly). If he comes near Me the length of a span, I get near him a cubit. If he comes near Me a cubit, I get near him a fathom. If he walks towards Me, I go towards him at high speed.’”
5. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: يَقُولُ اللَّهُ عزوجل: أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي. وَأَنَا مَعَهُ حِينَ يَذْكُرُنِي. فَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي. وَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلَإٍ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلَإٍ خَيْرٍ مِنْهُ. وَإِنْ اقْتَرَبَ إِلَيَّ شِبْرًا اقْتَرَبْتُ مِنْهُ ذِرَاعًا. وَإِنْ اقْتَرَبَ إِلَيَّ ذِرَاعًا اقْتَرَبْتُ إِلَيْهِ بَاعًا. وَإِنْ أَتَانِي يَمْشِي أَتَيْتُهُ هَرْوَلَةً.
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah (SWT) says, ‘I am to My servant as he expects from Me and I am with him when he remembers Me. So if he remembers Me in his heart (covertly), I remember him in private (covertly). If he remembers Me in an assembly (overtly), I remember him in an assembly better than his (overtly). If he comes near Me a span, I get near him a cubit. If he comes near Me a cubit, I get near him a fathom. If he walks towards Me, I come to him at high speed.’”
6. عَنْ سَهْلِ بن مُعَاذِ بن أَنَسٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ رضي الله عنهم، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى: لا يَذْكُرُنِي عَبْدِي فِي نَفْسِهِ إِلا ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلَإٍ مِنْ مَلائِكَتِي، وَلا يَذْكُرُنِي فِي مَلَإٍ إِلا ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي الرَّفِيقِ الأَعْلَى.
Sahl bin Muadh bin Anas (رضی اللہ عنھم) narrates from his father that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah (SWT) says: ‘Every time My servant remembers Me in his heart (quietly), I remember him in the assembly of My angels (loudly) and every time he remembers Me (loudly) in an assembly, I remember him (loudly) in the Assembly of Supreme Companionship (ar-rafiq al-ala).’”12
7. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم فِيْمَا يَحْكِي عَنِ اللهِ عزوجل قَالَ: الْكِبْرِيَاءُ رِدَائِي وَالْعَظَمَةُ إِزَارِي. فَمَنْ نَازَعَنِي فِي وَاحِدَةٍ مِنْهُمَا قَذَفْتُهُ فِي النَّارِ. وَمَنِ اقْتَرَبَ إِلَيَّ شِبْرًا اقْتَرَبْتُ مِنْهُ ذِرَاعًا. وَمَنِ اقْتَرَبَ مِنِّي ذِرَاعًا اقْتَرَبْتُ مِنْهُ بَاعًا. وَمَنْ جَاءَنِي يَمْشِي جِئْتُهُ أُهَرْوِلُ. وَمَنْ جَاءَنِيْ يُهَرْوِلُ جِئْتُهُ أَسْعَى. وَمَنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي. وَمَنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلَإٍ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلَإٍ أَكْثَرُ مِنْهُم وَأَطْيَبُ.
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates from the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) that Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Magnificence is My mantle and Grandeur is My wrapper. So, whoever disputes with Me on any of these two, I will throw him into the Hell. He who draws near Me a span, I get near him an arm’s length. He who draws near Me an arm’s length, I get near him a fathom. He who walks towards Me I run towards him and he who runs towards Me I sprint towards him. He who remembers Me in his heart (quietly), I remember him in secret (quietly). And he who remembers Me in a gathering (loudly), I remember him (loudly) in a gathering larger and purer than his.”
8. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: قَالَ اللَّهُ عزوجل: عَبْدِي عِنْدَ ظَنِّهِ بِي وَأَنَا مَعَهُ إِذَا دَعَانِي. فَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي. وَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلَإٍ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلَإٍ خَيْرٍ مِنْهُمْ وَأَطْيَبَ. وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ مِنِّي شِبْرًا تَقَرَّبْتُ مِنْهُ ذِرَاعًا. وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ ذِرَاعًا تَقَرَّبْتُ بَاعًا. وَإِنْ أَتَانِي يَمْشِي أَتَيْتُهُ هَرْوَلَةً.
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates from the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) that Allah (سبحانہ و تعالیٰ) said, “I am compatible with My servant’s opinion of Me and I am with him when he calls Me out. So, if he calls Me out in his heart (i.e. remembers Me secretly) I remember him in quiet (secretly). And if he calls Me out in some assembly (i.e. remembers Me openly) I remember him in an assembly better and purer than theirs (openly). If he gets closer to Me a span I get closer to him an arm. And if he gets near Me an arm I get near him a fathom. If he walks towards Me I run towards him.”
9. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ اللَّهَ عزوجل يَقُوْلُ: أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي وَأَنَا مَعَهُ حِينَ يَذْكُرُنِي. إِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي. وَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلَإٍ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلَإٍ خَيْرٍ مِنْ مَلَئِهِ الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُنِي فِيهِمْ. وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ الْعَبْدُ مِنِّي شِبْرًا تَقَرَّبْتُ مِنْهُ ذِرَاعًا. وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ مِنِّي ذِرَاعًا تَقَرَّبْتُ مِنْهُ بَاعًا. وَإِذَا جَاءَنِي يَمْشِي جِئْتُهُ أُهَرْوِلُ. لَهُ الْمَنُّ وَالْفَضْلُ.
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Holy Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah (سبحانہ و تعالیٰ) says: I am compatible with My servant’s opinion of Me. I am with him when he remembers Me. So if he remembers Me in his heart (quietly), I remember him in secret (quietly). If he remembers Me in a gathering (loudly), I remember him in a gathering better than his (loudly). If My servant draws near Me a span I get near him an arm. If he draws near Me an arm I get near him a fathom. And if he comes to Me walking I go to him running. The entire bounty and benevolence is for him alone.”
10. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: قَالَ اللهُ جَلّ وَعَلاَ: عَبْدِي عِنْدَ ظَنِّهِ بِي، وَأَنَا مَعَهُ إِذَا دَعَانِي. إِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ، ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي. وَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلَإٍ، ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلَإٍ خَيْرٌ مِنْهُ وَأَطْيَبُ.
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates from the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) that Allah (SWT) said, “I am compatible with My servant’s opinion of Me and I am with him when he calls Me out. If he remembers Me in his heart (quietly), I remember him in secret (quietly), and if he remembers Me in an assembly (loudly), I remember him in an assembly better and purer than his (loudly).”
11. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: قَالَ اللهُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى: أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِيْ بِي وَأَنَا مَعَهُ حَيْثُ يَذْكُرُنِي. إِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ، ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي. وَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلَإٍ، ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلَإٍ خَيْرٌ مِنْهُمْ. وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ مِنِّي ذِرَاعًا، تَقَرَّبْتُ مِنْهُ بَاعًا. وَإِنْ أَتَانِي يَمْشِي، أَتَيْتُهُ هَرْوَلَةً.
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) that Allah (SWT) said, “I am to My servant what he thinks of Me. I am with him wherever he remembers Me. So if he remembers Me in his heart (quietly), I remember him in secret (quietly). If he remembers Me in an assembly (loudly), I remember him in an assembly better than theirs (loudly). If he nears Me a cubit, I get near him a fathom. If he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.”
12. عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رضي الله عنهما قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: عَبْدِي إِذَا ذَكَرْتَنِي خَالِيًا ذَكَرْتُكَ خَالِيًا. وَإِنْ ذَكَرْتَنِي فِي مَلَإٍ، ذَكَرْتُكَ فِي مَلَإٍ خَيْرٌ مِنْهُمْ وَأَكْثَرُ.
According to Abdullah bin Abbas (رضی اللہ عنھما) the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah (SWT) said: ‘Oh My servant! When you remember Me alone (secretly), I remember you alone (secretly). If you remember Me in an assembly (openly) I remember you in an assembly better and larger than them (openly).’”1
13. عَنْ ثَابِتٍ قَالَ: قَالَ أَبُو عُثْمَانَ النَّهْدِيّ: إِنِّي لَأَعْلَمُ حِيْنَ يَذْكُرُنِي رَبِّي. قَالُوا: وَكَيْفَ ذَاكَ؟ قَالَ: إِنَّ اللهَ يَقُوْلُ: (فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ) فَإِذَا ذَكَرْتُ اللهَ ذَكَرَنِي.
Thabit narrates that Abu Uthman Nahdi said: “I know when my Lord remembers me.” People asked: “How do you know that?” He replied: “Indeed Allah says: ‘Remember Me, I will remember you.’ So when I remember Him He remembers me.’”2
Chapter 3: Allah (SWT) expresses His pride on His Remeberers (Dhakirs) in front of angels
14. عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: خَرَجَ مُعَاوِيَةُ عَلَى حَلْقَةٍ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ، فَقَالَ: ... إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم خَرَجَ عَلَى حَلْقَةٍ مِنْ أَصْحَابِهِ، فَقَالَ: مَا أَجْلَسَكُمْ؟ قَالُوا: جَلَسْنَا نَذْكُرُ اللَّهَ وَنَحْمَدُهُ عَلَى مَا هَدَانَا لِلْإِسْلَامِ، وَمَنَّ بِهِ عَلَيْنَا. قَالَ: آللَّهِ مَا أَجْلَسَكُمْ إِلَّا ذَاكَ؟ قَالُوا: وَاللَّهِ مَا أَجْلَسَنَا إِلَّا ذَاكَ. قَالَ: أَمَا إِنِّي لَمْ أَسْتَحْلِفْكُمْ تُهْمَةً لَكُمْ، وَلَكِنَّهُ أَتَانِي جِبْرِيلُ، فَأَخْبَرَنِي أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يُبَاهِي بِكُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ.
Abu Saeed Khudri (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that Muawiyah (رضی اللہ عنہ) came to a group of people in the mosque and said, “… The Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) came to a group of his Companions in the mosque and said, ‘Why are you sitting?’ They said, ‘We are sitting remembering Allah and paying our thanks to Him for His favour of guiding us to Islam.’ The Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, ‘Do you say that on oath that is what has made you sit here?’ They submitted, ‘By Allah we are sitting here only for this purpose.’ The Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, ‘I have not made you take oath for any doubt but the thruth is that Gabriel came and told me that Allah is expressing His pride on you in front of angels.’”
15. عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بن كَعْبٍ، أَنَّ نَفَرًا كَانُوا فِي عَهْدِ مُعَاوِيَةَ يَشْهَدُونَ الْفَجْرَ وَيَجْلِسُونَ عِنْدَ قَاصِّ الْجَمَاعَةِ، فَإِذَا سَلَّمَ تَحَوَّلُوا إِلَى نَاحِيَةِ الْمَسْجِدِ فَيَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ وَيَتْلُونَ كِتَابَ اللَّهِ حَتَّى يَتَعَالَى النَّهَارُ، فَأُخْبِرَ مُعَاوِيَةُ بِهِمْ، فَجَاءَ يُهَرْوِلُ أَوْ يَسْعَى فِي مِشْيَتِهِ حَتَّى وَقَفَ عَلَيْهِمْ، فَقَالَ: جِئْتُ أُبَشِّرُكُمْ بِبُشْرَى اللَّهِ فِيمَا رِزْقَكُمْ، أَنَّ نَفَرًا عَلَى عَهْدِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم، أَحْسَبُهُ، قَالَ: كَانُوا يَصْنَعُونَ نَحْوًا مِمَّا تَصْنَعُونَ، فَأَقْبَلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم، كَأَنِّي أَحْكِيهِ فِي مِشْيَتِهِ حَتَّى وَقَفَ عَلَيْهِمْ، فَقَالَ: أَبْشِرُوا وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، إِنَّ اللَّهَ عزوجل يُبَاهِي بِكُمُ الْمَلائِكَةَ.
Muhammad bin Ka‘b (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that during the reign of Muawiyah some people used to attend the fajr ritual prayer, and sit on one side of the congregation. After the Imām concluded the prayer, they would sit in one corner of the mosque, remember Allah and recite the Book of Allah till sunrise. Muawiyah was told about them, so he came running, stood beside them and said, “I have come to give you good news of what Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon you. Some people used to do the same during the days of the Holy Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) . The Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) came, stood beside them and said, ‘Cheer up! By Him in whose hand is my soul, Allah is expressing His pride on you before the angels.’”
16. عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو رضي الله عنهما قَالَ: صَلَّيْنَا مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم الْمَغْرِبَ، فَرَجَعَ مَنْ رَجَعَ وَعَقَّبَ مَنْ عَقَّبَ، فَجَاءَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم مُسْرِعًا، قَدْ حَفَزَهُ النَّفَسُ وَقَدْ حَسَرَ عَنْ رُكْبَتَيْهِ، فَقَالَ: أَبْشِرُوا هَذَا رَبُّكُمْ قَدْ فَتَحَ بَابًا مِنْ أَبْوَابِ السَّمَاءِ يُبَاهِي بِكُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ، يَقُولُ: انْظُرُوا إِلَى عِبَادِي قَدْ قَضَوْا فَرِيضَةً وَهُمْ يَنْتَظِرُونَ أُخْرَى.
Abdullah bin Amr (رضی اللہ عنھما) narrates, “We offered the sunset ritual prayer with the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) . Those who were to leave left and those desirous to stay back stayed. So swiftly the Holy Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) came that he was breathing heavily and his robe was a little above his holy ankles. He said, ‘Cheer up! This is your Lord Who has opened a door of heavens and is expressing His pride on you before the angels, saying: Look at My servants; after performing an obligatory ritual prayer they are waiting for the next one (prayer).’”
17. عَنْ حَسَنِ بْنِ مُوسَى رضي الله عنه، قَالَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِي رضي الله عنه وَأَنَا أُحَدِّثُ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم، صَلَّيْنَا مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم ذَاتَ لَيْلَةٍ فَعَقَّبَ مَنْ عَقَّبَ وَرَجَعَ مَنْ رَجَعَ. فَجَاءَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَبْلَ أَنْ يَثُوبَ النَّاسُ لِصَلَاةِ الْعِشَاءِ، فَجَاءَ وَقَدْ حَفَزَهُ النَّفَسُ رَافِعًا إِصْبَعَهُ هَكَذَا، وَعَقَدَ تِسْعًا وَعِشْرِينَ، وَأَشَارَ بِإِصْبَعِهِ السَّبَّابَةِ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ، وَهُوَ يَقُولُ: أَبْشِرُوا مَعْشَرَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ هَذَا رَبُّكُمْ عزوجل، قَدْ فَتَحَ بَابًا مِنْ أَبْوَابِ السَّمَاءِ، يُبَاهِي بِكُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ. يَقُولُ: يَا مَلَائِكَتِي! انْظُرُوا إِلَى عِبَادِي أَدَّوْا فَرِيضَةً وَهُمْ يَنْتَظِرُونَ أُخْرَى.
Hasan bin Musa (رضی اللہ عنہ) states, “Abdullah bin Amr and I offered the ritual prayer one evening with the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) . Then those desirous to stay on stayed while the others went homes. The Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) then came before people returned to offer the night (isha) ritual prayer. When hr came he was breathing heavily with his index finger raised. He raised his index finger towards the sky and said, “Oh party of Muslims, rejoice. This is your Lord who has opened one of the gates of heavens expressing His pride on you in front of angels, saying: ‘O My angels, look at these servants of Mine who have performed one obligatory ritual prayer and are waiting for the next.’”
18. عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو رضي الله عنهما قَالَ: صَلَّيْنَا مَعَ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم ذَاتَ لَيْلَةٍ. فَرَجَعَ مَنْ رَجَعَ وَعَقَّبَ مَنْ عَقَّبَ. فَجَاءَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَبْلَ أَن يُثَوِّبَ النَّاسُ بِصَلَاةِ الْعِشَاءِ. فَقَالَ: أَبْشِرُوا، أَبْشِرُوا. هَذَا رَبُّكُمْ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى، قَدْ فَتَحَ بَابًا مِنْ أَبْوَابِ السَّمَاءِ يُبَاهِي بِكُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ، يَقُولُ: انْظُرُوا إِلَى عِبَادِي. قَضَوا فَرِيضَةً وَهُمْ يَنْتَظِرُونَ أُخْرَى.
Abdullah bin Amr (رضی اللہ عنھما) narrates, “One evening we performed our (sunset) ritual prayer with the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) . Those who wanted to leave departed and those who desired to stay on remained there. The Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) arrived before the people pronounced the commencement (iqamah) of the night ritual prayer (isha). He said, ‘Cheer up, cheer up! This is your Lord who has opened one of the gates of heavens and is expressing His pride on you before angels, saying: ‘Look at My servants; they have performed one obligatory ritual prayer and are waiting for the next one.’”
19. عَنْ أَبِي أَيُّوبَ أَنَّ نَوْفًا وَعَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ عَمْرٍو يَعْنِي ابْنَ الْعَاصِي رضي الله عنهم اجْتَمَعَا، فَقَالَ نَوْفٌ: لَوْ أَنَّ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا فِيهِمَا وُضِعَ فِي كِفَّةِ الْمِيزَانِ، وَوُضِعَتْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ فِي الْكِفَّةِ الْأُخْرَى، لَرَجَحَتْ بِهِنَّ. وَلَوْ أَنَّ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا فِيهِنَّ كُنَّ طَبَقًا مِنْ حَدِيدٍ، فَقَالَ رَجُلٌ: لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، لَخَرَقَتْهُنَّ حَتَّى تَنْتَهِيَ إِلَى اللَّهِ عزوجل. فَقَالَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عَمْرٍو: صَلَّيْنَا مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم الْمَغْرِبَ، فَعَقَّبَ مَنْ عَقَّبَ وَرَجَعَ مَنْ رَجَعَ، فَجَاءَ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم وَقَدْ كَادَ يَحْسِرُ ثِيَابَهُ عَنْ رُكْبَتَيْهِ، فَقَالَ: أَبْشِرُوا مَعْشَرَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ، هَذَا رَبُّكُمْ قَدْ فَتَحَ بَابًا مِنْ أَبْوَابِ السَّمَاءِ، يُبَاهِي بِكُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ، يَقُولُ: هَؤُلَاءِ عِبَادِي، قَضَوْا فَرِيضَةً وَهُمْ يَنْتَظِرُونَ أُخْرَى.
Abu Ayyub (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates, “Nawf and Abdullah bin Amr bin-al-‘Ās got together. Nawf said, ‘If the heavens and the earth and whatever they contain are placed on one side of the Balance and la ilaha illallah (there is no God but Allah) is placed on the other side of the Balance, the latter will be heavier. If the heavens and the earth and whatever they contain had been strata made of iron and the man had recited la ilaha illallah, it would have cleaved all of them asunder and reached Almighty Allah.’ Abdullah bin Amr (رضی اللہ عنہ) said: We offered the sunset (maghrib) ritual prayer with the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) . Those who wanted to stay remained there while those who desired to leave departed. The Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) came with his robe a little above his holy ankles. He said, ‘Rejoice, O party of Muslims. This is your Lord who has opened one of the doors of heavens and is telling the angels how proud He is of you, saying: These are My servants who have performed an obligatory ritual prayer and are waiting to perform the next one.’”
20. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُبَاهِي بِأَهْلِ عَرَفَاتٍ أَهْلَ السَّمَاءِ، فَيَقُولُ لَهُمْ: انْظُرُوا إِلَى عِبَادِي جَاءُونِي شُعْثًا غُبْرًا.
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah (SWT) expresses His pride before the celestial creation on the people who gather in Arafat and says to them: Look at My servants; they have come to Me with unkempt and dusty hair (lost in My love as if gone insane in intense humbleness and overwhelming devotion, unaware what they look like).”
21. عَنْ جَابِرٍ رضي الله عنه، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِذَا كَانَ يَوْمُ عَرَفَةَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَنْزِلُ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ، فَيُبَاهِي بِهِمُ الْمَلائِكَةَ، فَيَقُولُ: انْظُرُوا إِلَى عِبَادِي أَتَوْنِي شُعْثًا غُبْرًا ضَاحِينَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ، أُشْهِدُكُمْ أَنِّي قَدْ غَفَرْتُ لَهُمْ، فَتَقُولُ لَهُ الْمَلائِكَةُ: أَيْ رَبِّ، فِيهِمْ فُلانٌ يَزْهُو، وَفُلانٌ وَفُلانٌ، قَالَ: يَقُولُ اللَّهُ: قَدْ غَفَرْتُ لَهُمْ، قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: فَمَا مِنْ يَوْمٍ أَكْثَرُ عَتِيقًا مِنَ النَّارِ مِنْ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ.
Jabir (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “When the day of Arafah comes, Allah (SWT) descends to the lowest heaven, takes pride in praising His servants before the angels and says to them: ‘Look at these servants of Mine! They have come to Me in the morning in a scruffy state with dusty hair, having crossed every deep valley (in a state of love-sickness for Allah). I call you to witness that I have forgiven them.’ The angels submit to Him, ‘O Lord, there was also Such-and-such among them who was arrogant and also Such-and-such and So-and-so.’ Allah (SWT) says: ‘I have forgiven him as well (for the sake of these lovers).’” The Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “There is no other day on which more people are set free from the Fire than the day of Arafah.”
Chapter 4: Angels search streets for dhikr sittings
22. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَلَائِكَةً يَطُوفُونَ فِي الطُّرُقِ، يَلْتَمِسُونَ أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ، فَإِذَا وَجَدُوا قَوْمًا يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ تَنَادَوْا، هَلُمُّوا إِلَى حَاجَتِكُمْ...
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah has angels who roam about on roads looking for the love-sick rememberers of Allah. When they find such people, they call out other angels: ‘Come here to your coveted aspiration….’”
23. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم، قَالَ: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى مَلَائِكَةً سَيَّارَةً فُضُلًا يَتَتَبَّعُونَ مَجَالِسَ الذِّكْرِ، فَإِذَا وَجَدُوا مَجْلِسًا فِيهِ ذِكْرٌ، قَعَدُوا مَعَهُمْ...
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Surely there are some angels of Allah (SWT) who conduct patrolling in search of remembrance assemblies (majālis al-dhikr). When they find such an assembly, they join and sit with them…”2
24. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَوْ عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَلَائِكَةً سَيَّاحِينَ فِي الْأَرْضِ فُضُلاً عَنْ كُتَّابِ النَّاسِ، فَإِذَا وَجَدُوا أَقْوَامًا يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ تَنَادَوْا هَلُمُّوا إِلَى بُغْيَتِكُمْ...
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) or Abu Saeed Khudri (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “There are many angels of Allah (SWT), other than the recording angels, who wander around on earth. When they find some people performing remembrance of Allah (SWT), they call out one another, saying: ‘Come to what you are looking for….’”
25. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: إِنَّ لِلهِ مَلَائِكَةً سَيَّارَةً وَفُضُلاَءَ يَلْتَمِسُونَ مَجَالِسَ الذِّكْرِ فِي الْأَرْضِ.
Abu Huraira narrates (رضی اللہ عنہ) that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “There are angels of Allah (SWT), besides those assigned with usual tasks, who travel round the globe (with a particular aim) and keep looking for remembrance sittings (majālis al-dhikr).”
26. عَنْ أََبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَلَائِكَةً سَيَّارَةً فُضُلًا يَلْتَمِسُونَ مَجَالِسَ الذِّكْرِ...
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Indeed, there are some angels of Allah, besides the ones assigned with usual tasks, who keep wandering (with a special purpose), seeking for remeberance sessions (majālis al-dhikr).”
27. عَنْ أَنَسٍ رضي الله عنه عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: إِنَّ لِلهِ سَيَّارَةً مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ يَطْلُبُوْنُ حِلَقَ الذِّكْرِ...
Anas (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Some angels of Allah keep searching for dhikr circles...”
Chapter 5: Angels cover remembrance assemblies of Allah with their wings
28. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ وَأَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ رضي الله عنهما أَنَّهُمَا شَهِدَا عَلَى النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم أَنَّهُ قَالَ: لَا يَقْعُدُ قَوْمٌ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ إِلَّا حَفَّتْهُمْ الْمَلَائِكَةُ، وَغَشِيَتْهُمْ الرَّحْمَةُ، وَنَزَلَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ السَّكِينَةُ، وَذَكَرَهُمْ اللَّهُ فِيمَنْ عِنْدَهُ.
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) and Abu Saeed Khudri (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrate that they visited the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) and he said, “Whenever people sit to remember Allah (SWT), angels cover them (spreading their wings over them) and divine mercy envelops them; inner peace descends on them and Allah (SWT) mentions them to those who are with Him.”1
29. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَلَائِكَةً يَطُوفُونَ فِي الطُّرُقِ، يَلْتَمِسُونَ أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ، فَإِذَا وَجَدُوا قَوْمًا يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ تَنَادَوْا، هَلُمُّوا إِلَى حَاجَتِكُمْ. قَالَ: فَيَحُفُّونَهُمْ بِأَجْنِحَتِهِمْ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا...
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah has angels who roam about on roads looking for such people as remember Allah. When they find people remembering Allah, they call out to one another, ‘Come here to your coveted goal.’ Then he said: “They keep their wings spread over them one above another until they reach the lowest heaven….”
30. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم، قَالَ: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى مَلَائِكَةً سَيَّارَةً فُضُلًا يَتَتَبَّعُونَ مَجَالِسَ الذِّكْرِ، فَإِذَا وَجَدُوا مَجْلِسًا فِيهِ ذِكْرٌ، قَعَدُوا مَعَهُمْ وَحَفَّ بَعْضُهُمْ بَعْضًا بِأَجْنِحَتِهِمْ، حَتَّى يَمْلَئُوا مَا بَيْنَهُمْ وَبَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا...
According to Abu Huraira the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “There are many angels of Allah (SWT), besides those assigned with normal tasks, who travel around looking for remembrance sessions. When they find such a session where remembrance of Allah is in progress, they sit with them and some angels cover the others with their wings ascending one above another until the space between the earth and the lowest heaven gets filled….”
31. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَوْ عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ رضي الله عنهما قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَلَائِكَةً سَيَّاحِينَ فِي الْأَرْضِ فُضُلًا عَنْ كُتَّابِ النَّاسِ، فَإِذَا وَجَدُوا أَقْوَامًا يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ تَنَادَوْا هَلُمُّوا إِلَى بُغْيَتِكُمْ. فَيَجِيئُونَ فَيَحُفُّونَ بِهِمْ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا...
According to Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) or Abu Saeed Khudri (رضی اللہ عنہ) the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “There are many angels of Allah (SWT), other than the recording angels, who keep wandering around on earth. When they find some people engaged in remembrance of Allah (SWT), they call other angels, saying, ‘Come to your coveted gathering.’ So, they come and cover participants up to the lowest heaven….”
32. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: إِنَّ لِلهِ مَلَائِكَةً سَيَّارَةً وَفُضُلاَءَ يَلْتَمِسُونَ مَجَالِسَ الذِّكْرِ فِي الْأَرْضِ. فَإِذَا أَتَوْا عَلَى مَجْلِسِ ذِكْرٍ حَفَّ بَعْضُهُمْ بَعْضًا بِأَجْنِحَتِهِمْ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ...
Abu Huraira narrates (رضی اللہ عنہ) that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “There are many angels of Allah (SWT), besides those assigned with usual tasks, who travel around (with a special purpose) persistently looking for remembrance sessions (majālis al-dhikr) in progress on the globe. When they come to any such circle they surround one another with their wings up to the lowest heaven….”
33. عَنْ أََبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ لِلهِ مَلَائِكَةً سَيَّارَةً فُضُلاً يَلْتَمِسُونَ مَجَالِسَ الذِّكْرِ. فَإِذَا أَتَوْا عَلَى قَومٍ يَذكُرُونَ اللهَ عزوجل جَلَسُوا فَأَظَلُّوهُم بِأَجْنِحَتِهِمْ مَا بَيْنَهُم وَبَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا...
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “There are angels of Allah, besides the ones assigned with routine tasks, who remain in search of assemblies of rememberers of Allah. When they come to these rememberers they sit there and cover them with their wings up to the lowest heaven….”
34. عَنْ أَنَسٍ رضي الله عنه عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: إِنَّ لِلهِ سَيَّارَةً مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ يَطْلُبُوْنُ حِلَقَ الذِّكْرِ. فَإِذَا حَفَوا عَلَيْهِمْ وَأَتَوا بِهِمْ...
Anas (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates from the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) that he said, “Some angels of Allah keep searching for remembrance circles. When they come to these rememberers they cover them….”
35. عَنْ أَنَسٍ رضي الله عنه عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: إِنَّ لِلهِ سَيَّارَةً مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ يَطْلُبُوْنَ حِلَقَ الذِّكْرِ. فَإِذَا حَفَوا عَلَيْهِمْ وَأَتَوْا بِهِمْ، ثُمَّ بَعَثُوا رَائِدَهُم إِلَى السَّمَاءِ إِلَى رَبِّ الْعِزَّةِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى...
Anas (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates from the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) that he said, “Some angels of Allah (SWT) remain wandering in search of remembrance circles. When the angels come to them, they cover those people and then send their leader to the heavens in the Divine Presence….”2
Chapter 6: Allah (SWT) asks angels about His rememberers
36. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِن لِلهِ مَلَائِكَةً فُضُلًا عَنْ كُتَّابِ النَّاسِ، يَمْشُوْنَ فِي الطُّرُقِ، يَلْتَمِسُوْنَ الذِّكْرَ. فَإِذَا رَأَوْا أَقْوَامًا يَذْكُرُونَ اللهَ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى تَنَادَوْا: هَلُمُّوا إِلَى حَاجَاتِكُمْ. فَيَحُفُّونَ بِأَجْنِحَتِهِمْ إِلَى السَّمِاءِ. فَيَسْأَلُهُم رَبُّهُم جَلَّ وَعَلَا - وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِمْ - فَيَقُولُ: عِبَادِيْ مَا يَقُولُونَ؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: يَا رَبِّ، يُسَبِّحُوْنَكَ وَيَحْمَدُونَكَ. فَيَقُولُ: هَلْ رَأَوْنِي؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: لَا. فَيَقُولُ: كَيْفَ لَو رَأَوْنِي؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: لَو رَأَوْكَ، لَكَانُوا أَشَدَّ تَسْبِيْحًا وَتَمْجِيْدًا وَتَكْبِيْرًا وَتَحْمِيْدًا. فَيَقُولُ: مَاذَا يَسْأَلُونَ؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: يَسْأَلُونَكَ، يَا رَبِّ، الْجَنَّةَ. فَيَقُولُ لَهُم: هَلْ رَأَوْهَا؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: لَا. فَيَقُولُ: كَيْفَ لَو رَأَوْهَا؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: لَو قَدْ رَأَوْهَا، كَانُوْا أَشَدَّ طَلَبًا وَأَشَدَّ حِرْصًا. فَيَقُولُ: فَمِمَّ يَتَعَوَّذُوْنَ؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: يَتَعَوَّذُونَ بِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ. فَيَقُولُ: فَهَلْ رَأَوْهَا؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: لَا. فَيَقُولُ: كَيْفَ لَو رَأَوْهَا؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: لَو قَدْ رَأَوْهَا، كَانُوا أَشَدَّ تَعَوُّذًا. فَيَقُولُ: فَإِنِّي أُشْهِدُكُمْ أَنِّي قَدْ غَفَرْتُ لَهُمْ.
According to Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “There are angels of Allah (SWT), other than those who keep a record of people’s actions, who walk around in the streets in search of rememberers of Allah. When they see these rememberers they call the other angels, saying, ‘Come to your coveted company.’ Then they spread their wings over them one above another up to the lowest heaven. Then their Lord asks them, although He has far richer awareness, ‘What are My servants saying?’ The angels say, ‘O Lord, they are glorifying and praising You.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘Have they seen Me?’ They reply, ‘No.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘What would have been their condition if they had seen Me?’ They say, ‘If they had seen You, they would have glorified You, magnified You, proclaimed Your greatness and praised You even more intensely.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘What are they asking for?’ They reply, ‘O Lord, they are asking You for Paradise.’ He says to them, ‘Have they seen it?’ They reply, ‘No.’ He says, ‘What would have been their state if they had seen it?’ They reply, ‘If they had seen it, they would have asked for it more intensely and desired it more earnestly.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘What are they seeking refuge from?’ The angels say, ‘They are seeking Your protection from the Fire.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘Have they seen it?’ They reply, ‘No.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘What would have been their condition if they had seen it?’ They reply, ‘If they had seen it, they would have sought Your protection from it even more intensely.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘I call you to witness that I have indeed forgiven them.’”
37. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَوْ عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ رضي الله عنهما قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَلَائِكَةً سَيَّاحِينَ فِي الْأَرْضِ فُضُلًا عَنْ كُتَّابِ النَّاسِ، فَإِذَا وَجَدُوا أَقْوَامًا يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ تَنَادَوْا هَلُمُّوا إِلَى بُغْيَتِكُمْ. فَيَجِيئُونَ فَيَحُفُّونَ بِهِمْ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا، فَيَقُولُ اللَّهُ: عَلَى أَيِّ شَيْءٍ تَرَكْتُمْ عِبَادِي يَصْنَعُونَ؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: تَرَكْنَاهُمْ يَحْمَدُونَكَ وَيُمَجِّدُونَكَ وَيَذْكُرُونَكَ. قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: فَهَلْ رَأَوْنِي؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: لَا. قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: فَكَيْفَ لَوْ رَأَوْنِي؟ قَالَ: فَيَقُولُونَ: لَوْ رَأَوْكَ لَكَانُوا أَشَدَّ تَحْمِيدًا وَأَشَدَّ تَمْجِيدًا وَأَشَدَّ لَكَ ذِكْرًا. قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: وَأَيُّ شَيْءٍ يَطْلُبُونَ؟ قَالَ: فَيَقُولُونَ: يَطْلُبُونَ الْجَنَّةَ. قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: وَهَلْ رَأَوْهَا؟ قَالَ: فَيَقُولُونَ: لَا. قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: فَكَيْفَ لَوْ رَأَوْهَا؟ قَالَ: فَيَقُولُونَ: لَوْ رَأَوْهَا لَكَانُوا أَشَدَّ لَهَا طَلَبًا وَأَشَدَّ عَلَيْهَا حِرْصًا. قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: فَمِنْ أَيِّ شَيْءٍ يَتَعَوَّذُونَ؟ قَالُوا: يَتَعَوَّذُونَ مِنْ النَّارِ. قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: هَلْ رَأَوْهَا؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: لَا. فَيَقُولُ: فَكَيْفَ لَوْ رَأَوْهَا؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: لَوْ رَأَوْهَا لَكَانُوا أَشَدَّ مِنْهَا هَرَبًا وَأَشَدَّ مِنْهَا خَوْفًا وَأَشَدَّ مِنْهَا تَعَوُّذًا. قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: فَإِنِّي أُشْهِدُكُمْ أَنِّي قَدْ غَفَرْتُ لَهُمْ. فَيَقُولُونَ: إِنَّ فِيهِمْ فُلَانًا الْخَطَّاءَ لَمْ يُرِدْهُمْ، إِنَّمَا جَاءَهُمْ لِحَاجَةٍ. فَيَقُولُ: هُمْ الْقَوْمُ لَا يَشْقَى لَهُمْ جَلِيسٌ.
Abu Huraira or Abu Saeed Khudri (رضی اللہ عنھما) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “There are many angels of Allah (SWT), other than the ones who record deeds, who wander around on earth. When they find some people performing remembrance of Allah (SWT), they call other angels, saying, ‘Come to what you are looking for.’ So they come and cover those people up to the lowest heaven. Then Allah (SWT) says, ‘What were My servants doing when you left them?’ The angels say, ‘O Lord, we left them praising You, magnifying You and remembering You.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘Have they seen Me?’ They reply, ‘No.’” The Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah (SWT) says, ‘What would have been their condition if they had seen Me?’ They say, ‘If they had seen You, they would have praised You, magnified You and remembered You far more.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘What are they asking for?’ They reply, ‘They are asking You for Paradise.’ He says, ‘Have they seen it?’ They reply, ‘No.’ He says, ‘What would have been their state if they had seen it?’ They reply, ‘If they had seen it, they would have asked for it more intensely and desired it more earnestly.’ Allah says, ‘What are they seeking My protection from?’ The angels say, ‘They are seeking Your protection from the Fire.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘Have they seen it?’ They reply, ‘No.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘What would have been their condition if they had seen it?’ They reply, ‘If they had seen it, they would have fled from it, feared it and sought Your refuge from it even more intensely.’ Allah says, ‘Then bear witness that I have forgiven them.’ They say, ‘There is so and so a great sinner among them; he came only for his personal interest and not to join in remembrance.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘These are such people that even their companion is not left destitute and unfortunate.’”
38. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: يَتَعَاقَبُونَ فِيكُمْ مَلَائِكَةٌ بِاللَّيْلِ، وَمَلَائِكَةٌ بِالنَّهَارِ، وَيَجْتَمِعُونَ فِي صَلَاةِ الْفَجْرِ وَصَلَاةِ الْعَصْرِ، ثُمَّ يَعْرُجُ الَّذِينَ بَاتُوا فِيكُمْ فَيَسْأَلُهُمْ رَبُّهُم وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِمْ: كَيْفَ تَرَكْتُمْ عِبَادِي؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: تَرَكْنَاهُمْ وَهُمْ يُصَلُّونَ وَأَتَيْنَاهُمْ وَهُمْ يُصَلُّونَ.
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Angels come among you in turns by night and by day, and they all assemble at the fajr (morning) and asr (afternoon) ritual prayers. Then the ones who visited you ascend and their Lord asks them, although He knows better about them, ‘In what state did you leave My servants?’ The angels reply: ‘They were offering ritual prayer when we left them while they were also praying when we approached them.’”
39. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَلَائِكَةً يَطُوفُونَ فِي الطُّرُقِ، يَلْتَمِسُونَ أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ، فَإِذَا وَجَدُوا قَوْمًا يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ تَنَادَوْا، هَلُمُّوا إِلَى حَاجَتِكُمْ. قَالَ: فَيَحُفُّونَهُمْ بِأَجْنِحَتِهِمْ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا. قَالَ. فَيَسْأَلُهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ – وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ مِنْهُمْ: مَا يَقُولُ عِبَادِي؟ قَالَ: تَقُولُ: يُسَبِّحُونَكَ وَيُكَبِّرُونَكَ وَيَحْمَدُونَكَ وَيُمَجِّدُونَكَ. قَالَ فَيَقُولُ: هَلْ رَأَوْنِي؟ قَالَ: فَيَقُولُونَ: لَا وَاللَّهِ مَا رَأَوْكَ. قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: وَكَيْفَ لَوْ رَأَوْنِي؟ قَالَ: يَقُولُونَ: لَوْ رَأَوْكَ كَانُوا أَشَدَّ لَكَ عِبَادَةً، وَأَشَدَّ لَكَ تَمْجِيدًا، وَأَكْثَرَ لَكَ تَسْبِيحًا. قَالَ: يَقُولُ: فَمَا يَسْأَلُونَنِي؟ قَالَ: يَسْأَلُونَكَ الْجَنَّةَ. قَالَ: يَقُولُ: وَهَلْ رَأَوْهَا؟ قَالَ: يَقُولُونَ: لَا وَاللَّهِ يَا رَبِّ! مَا رَأَوْهَا. قَالَ: يَقُولُ: فَكَيْفَ لَوْ أَنَّهُمْ رَأَوْهَا؟ قَالَ: يَقُولُونَ: لَوْ أَنَّهُمْ رَأَوْهَا كَانُوا أَشَدَّ عَلَيْهَا حِرْصًا، وَأَشَدَّ لَهَا طَلَبًا، وَأَعْظَمَ فِيهَا رَغْبَةً. قَالَ: فَمِمَّ يَتَعَوَّذُونَ؟ قَالَ: يَقُولُونَ: مِنْ النَّارِ. قَالَ: يَقُولُ: وَهَلْ رَأَوْهَا؟ قَالَ: يَقُولُونَ: لَا وَاللَّهِ يَا رَبِّ! مَا رَأَوْهَا. قَالَ: يَقُولُ: فَكَيْفَ لَوْ رَأَوْهَا؟ قَالَ: يَقُولُونَ: لَوْ رَأَوْهَا كَانُوا أَشَدَّ مِنْهَا فِرَارًا، وَأَشَدَّ لَهَا مَخَافَةً. قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: فَأُشْهِدُكُمْ أَنِّي قَدْ غَفَرْتُ لَهُمْ. قَالَ: يَقُولُ مَلَكٌ مِنْ الْمَلَائِكَةِ: فِيهِمْ فُلَانٌ، لَيْسَ مِنْهُمْ، إِنَّمَا جَاءَ لِحَاجَةٍ. قَالَ: هُمْ الْجُلَسَاءُ لَا يَشْقَى بِهِمْ جَلِيسُهُمْ.
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah has angels who wander around on roads in search of people who remember Allah. When they find such people they call other angels, ‘Come to your coveted company.’ Then they spread their wings over them up to the lowest heaven. Their Lord asks them, although He knows better about them, ‘What are My servants saying?’ They reply, ‘They are glorifying You, proclaiming Your Greatness, praising You and pronouncing Your Grandeur.’ The Holy Messenger said, “Then Allah asks: ‘Have they seen Me?’ They reply, ‘No, by Allah, they have not seen You.’ The Messenger of Allah said, “Allah asks: ‘How would have they acted, if they had seen Me?’ They reply, ‘Had they seen You, they would have worshipped You, magnified You and glorified You more earnestly.’ Then Allah asks, ‘What are they asking Me for?’ The angels say, ‘They are asking You for Paradise.’ The Messenger of Allah said, “Allah asks: ‘Have they seen it?’ They reply, ‘No, we swear by Allah, our Lord, they have not seen it.’ He asks, ‘How would have they acted, if they had seen it?’ The angels reply, ‘If they had seen it, they would have been more intensely eager for it, would have asked more earnestly for it and would have had a greater desire for it.’ He asks, ‘What are they seeking refuge from?’ They reply, ‘From the Hell.’ He asks, ‘Have they seen it?’ They reply, ‘No, by our Lord, they have not seen this as well.’ He asks, ‘What would have been their state, had they seen it?’ They reply, ‘Had they seen it, they would have fled from it with greater speed and greater fear.’ He says, ‘Bear witness that I have forgiven them.’ Some of the angels submit, ‘Among them is so and so who has come for his own purpose (and not to join in remembrance session).’ Allah says, ‘He has been in their company and those who join their company do not remain deprived.’”
40. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم، قَالَ: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى مَلَائِكَةً سَيَّارَةً فُضُلًا يَتَتَبَّعُونَ مَجَالِسَ الذِّكْرِ، فَإِذَا وَجَدُوا مَجْلِسًا فِيهِ ذِكْرٌ، قَعَدُوا مَعَهُمْ وَحَفَّ بَعْضُهُمْ بَعْضًا بِأَجْنِحَتِهِمْ، حَتَّى يَمْلَئُوا مَا بَيْنَهُمْ وَبَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا، فَإِذَا تَفَرَّقُوا عَرَجُوا وَصَعِدُوا إِلَى السَّمَاءِ. قَالَ: فَيَسْأَلُهُمْ اللَّهُ عزوجل – وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِمْ: مِنْ أَيْنَ جِئْتُمْ؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: جِئْنَا مِنْ عِنْدِ عِبَادٍ لَكَ فِي الْأَرْضِ، يُسَبِّحُونَكَ وَيُكَبِّرُونَكَ وَيُهَلِّلُونَكَ وَيَحْمَدُونَكَ وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ. قَالَ: وَمَاذَا يَسْأَلُونِي؟ قَالُوا: يَسْأَلُونَكَ جَنَّتَكَ. قَالَ: وَهَلْ رَأَوْا جَنَّتِي؟ قَالُوا: لَا أَيْ رَبِّ. قَالَ: فَكَيْفَ لَوْ رَأَوْا جَنَّتِي؟ قَالُوا: وَيَسْتَجِيرُونَكَ. قَالَ: وَمِمَّ يَسْتَجِيرُونَنِي؟ قَالُوا: مِنْ نَارِكَ يَا رَبِّ. قَالَ: وَهَلْ رَأَوْا نَارِي؟ قَالُوا: لَا. قَالَ: فَكَيْفَ لَوْ رَأَوْا نَارِي؟ قَالُوا: وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَكَ. قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: قَدْ غَفَرْتُ لَهُمْ، فَأَعْطَيْتُهُمْ مَا سَأَلُوا، وَأَجَرْتُهُمْ مِمَّا اسْتَجَارُوا. قَالَ: فَيَقُولُونَ: رَبِّ فِيهِمْ فُلَانٌ عَبْدٌ خَطَّاءٌ، إِنَّمَا مَرَّ فَجَلَسَ مَعَهُمْ. قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: وَلَهُ غَفَرْتُ، هُمْ الْقَوْمُ لَا يَشْقَى بِهِمْ جَلِيسُهُمْ.
According to Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “There are angels of Allah (SWT) who roam around looking for remembrance assemblies of Allah. When they find such sittings they sit in with them and cover them with their wings until the space between the earth and the lowest heaven gets densely filled. When people leave the assembly the angels ascend to heavens. Their Lord asks them, although He knows better than them, ‘Where have you come from?’ The angels say, ‘We have come from Your servants on earth who were glorifying You, proclaiming Your greatness, declaring Your unity, praising You and imploring from You.’ Allah (SWT) asks, ‘What were they supplicating for?’ They reply, ‘They were praying to You for Your Paradise.’ He asks, ‘Have they seen My Paradise?’ They reply, ‘No, our Lord.’ He asks, ‘What would have been their state if they had seen My Paradise?’ The angels say, ‘They were seeking Your protection.’ He asks, ‘What were they seeking My protection from?’ They reply, ‘From Your Hell, O Lord.’ Allah (SWT) asks, ‘Have they seen My Hell?’ They reply, ‘No.’ Allah asks, ‘What would have been their state if they had seen it?’ The angels say, ‘They were also asking for Your forgiveness.’” The Holy Messenger said that Allah (SWT) says, “I have forgiven them and given them whatever they have supplicated for, and protected them from whatever they have sought protection.” The Holy Messenger said that they say, “There is Such-and-such great sinner among them; he was just passing by and happened to sit with them without any intention.” The Holy Messenger said that Allah (SWT) says, “I have forgiven him, too (because) they are the people that the one who even sits with them is not left deprived.”
41. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَلَائِكَةً سَيَّارَةً وَفُضُلَاءَ يَلْتَمِسُونَ مَجَالِسَ الذِّكْرِ فِي الْأَرْضِ. فَإِذَا أَتَوْا عَلَى مَجْلِسِ ذِكْرٍ حَفَّ بَعْضُهُمْ بَعْضًا بِأَجْنِحَتِهِمْ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ. فَيَقُولُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى: مِنْ أَيْنَ جِئْتُمْ – وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: رَبَّنَا جِئْنَا مِنْ عِنْدِ عِبَادِكَ يُسَبِّحُونَكَ وَيُكَبِّرُونَكَ وَيَحْمَدُونَكَ وَيُهَلِّلُونَكَ وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ وَيَسْتَجِيْرُونَكَ. فَيَقُولُ: مَا يَسْأَلُونَنِي – وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: رَبَّنَا يَسْأَلُونَكَ الْجَنَّةَ. فَيَقُولُ: وَهَلْ رَأَوْهَا؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: لَا، يَا رَبِّ. فَيَقُولُ: كَيْفَ لَو رَأَوْهَا؟ فَيَقُولُ: وَمِمَّ يَسْتَجِيْرُونَنِي – وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: مِنَ النَّارِ. فَيَقُولُ: هَلْ رَأَوْهَا؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: لَا. فَيَقُولُ: فَكَيْفَ لَو رَأَوْهَا؟ ثُمَّ يَقُولُ: اشْهَدُوا أَنِّي قَدْ غَفَرْتُ لَهُمْ وَأَعْطَيْتُهُمْ مَا سَأَلُونِي وَأَجَرْتُهُمْ مِمَّا اسْتَجَارُونِي. فَيَقُولُونَ: رَبَّنَا إِنَّ فِيْهِمْ عَبْدًا خَطَّاءً جَلَسَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَيْسَ مَعَهُمْ. فَيَقُولُ: وَهُوَ أَيْضًا قَدْ غَفَرْتُ لَهُ. هُمُ الْقَومُ لَا يَشْقَى بِهِمْ جَلِيْسُهُمْ.
Abu Huraira narrates (رضی اللہ عنہ) that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “There are angels of Allah (SWT), besides those given assignments. They keep wandering around (with a specific aim) and search for assemblies engaged in remembrance of Allah on earth. When they find and join in such a gathering they cover one another with their wings up to the lowest heaven. Then Allah (SWT) asks them, although He knows better, ‘Where have you come from?’ The angels say, ‘O our Lord, we have come from Your servants who were glorifying You, proclaiming Your Greatness, praising You, declaring Your unity, praying to You and seeking Your protection.’ Allah (SWT) says, although He knows better, ‘What are they asking Me for?’ They reply, ‘O our Lord, they are asking You for Paradise.’ He says, ‘Have they seen it?’ They reply, ‘No, O Lord.’ He says, ‘What would have been their state if they had seen it?’ Then He asks, although He knows better, ‘What are they seeking My protection from?’ The angels reply, ‘From the Fire (of Hell).’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘Have they seen it?’ They reply, ‘No.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘What would have been their condition if they had seen it?’ Then Allah (SWT) says, ‘Bear witness that I have indeed forgiven them, and given them whatever they have asked Me for and protected them from whatever they have sought My protection.’ They say, ‘O our Lord, among them was a great sinner. He was not one of them; he just passed by and sat down with them unintentionally.’ Allah (SWT) says, ‘I have forgiven him as well. They are such (blessed) people that the one who sits in their company is also not left deprived and unfortunate.’”
42. عَنْ أََبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَلَائِكَةً سَيَّارَةً فُضُلاً يَلْتَمِسُونَ مَجَالِسَ الذِّكْرِ. فَإِذَا أَتَوا عَلَى قَومٍ يَذكُرُونَ اللهَ عزوجل جَلَسُوا فَأَظَلُّوهُمْ بِأَجْنِحَتِهِمْ مَا بَيْنَهُمْ وَبَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا. فَإِذَا قَامُوا عَرَجُوا إِلَى رَبِّهِمْ. فَيَقُولُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى، وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ: مِنْ أَيْنَ جِئْتُمْ؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: جِئْنَا مِنْ عِنْدِ عِبَادٍ لَكَ يُسَبِّحُونَكَ وَيُمَجِّدُونَكَ وَيَحْمَدُونَكَ وَيُهَلِّلُونَكَ وَيُكَبِّرُونَكَ وَيَسْتَجِيْرُونَكَ مِنْ عَذَابِكَ وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ جَنَّتَكَ. فَيَقُولُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى: وَهَلْ رَأَوا جَنَّتِي وَنَارِي؟ فَيَقُولُونُ: لَا. فَيَقُولُ: فَكَيْفَ لَو رَأَوْهُمَا؟ قَالَ: فَيَقُولُ: أُشْهِدُكُمْ فَقَدَ أَجَرْتُهُمْ مِمَّا اسْتَجَارُوا وَأَعْطَيْتُهُم مَا سَأَلُوا. فَيُقَالُ: إِنَّ فِيْهِم رَجُلًا مَرَّ بِهِمْ فَقَعَدَ مَعَهُمْ. فَيَقُولُ: وَلَهُ قَدْ غَفَرْتُ. إِنَّهُمْ قَومٌ لَا يَشْقَى بِهِمْ جَلِيْسُهُمْ.
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “There are angels of Allah (SWT), besides those given various assignments. They keep wandering around (with a specific aim) and search for gatherings engaged in remembrance of Allah. When they find and join in such a gathering they spread their wings over them up to the lowest heaven. When people retire from this sitting, the angels ascend to their Lord. Allah asks them although He knows better, ‘Where have you come from?’ They reply, ‘We have come from Your servants who were glorifying You, magnifying You, praising You, declaring Your unity, proclaiming Your greatness and seeking Your protection from Your chastisement and asking You for Your Paradise.’ He says, ‘Have they seen My Paradise and My Fire?’ They reply, ‘No.’ He asks, ‘What would have been their condition, if they had seen them?’ Then He says, ‘I call you to witness that I have protected them against what they sought protection and granted them what they begged for.’ Then the angels submit, ‘Among them was a man who just passed by them and joined their company.’ Allah says, ‘I have forgiven him as well. They are such (blessed) people that whoever joins their company is also not left deprived and unfortunate.’”
Chapter 7: Remembrance of Allah is better than fighting in His way
43. عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ رضي الله عنه أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم سُئِلَ: أَيُّ الْعِبَادِ أَفْضَلُ دَرَجَةً عِنْدَ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ؟ قَالَ: الذَّاكِرُونَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتُ. قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ! وَمِنَ الْغَازِي فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ؟ قَالَ: لَوْ ضَرَبَ بِسَيْفِهِ فِي الْكُفَّارِ وَالْمُشْرِكِينَ حَتَّى يَنْكَسِرَ وَيَخْتَضِبَ دَمًا لَكَانَ الذَّاكِرُونَ اللَّهَ أَفْضَلَ مِنْهُ دَرَجَةً.
Abu Saeed Khudri (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) was asked, “Who will be superior in the sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection?” He said, “The men and the women who remember Allah (SWT) greatly.” The narrator states: I submitted, “O Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) , are they superior even to those who fight in the way of Allah (SWT)?” He said, “Even if he wields his sword among infidels and polytheists until it breaks blood stained, the rememberers of Allah are superior to him in grade.”
44. عَنْ مُعَاذٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: مَا عَمِلَ ابْنُ آدَمَ عَمَلاً أَنْجَى لَهُ مِنَ النَّارِ مِنْ ذِكْرِ اللهِ. قَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ! وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ؟ قَالَ: وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيْلِ اللهِ. تَضْرِبُ بِسَيْفِكَ حَتَّى يَنْقَطِعَ ثُمَّ تَضْرِبُ بِسَيْفِكَ حَتَّى يَنْقَطِعَ ثُمَّ تَضْرِبُ بِهِ حَتَّى يَنْقَطِعَ.
Muādh (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “No action of man is more protecting against the Fire (of Hell) than remembrance of Allah.” He (the narrator) submitted, “O Messenger of Allah, not even fighting in the way of Allah?” He said, “No, not even jihad even if you fight so much that your sword breaks, and then you fight again and that sword also breaks, and then you fight on until another sword breaks.”1
45. عَنْ مُعَاذٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: مَا عَمِِلَ آدَمِيٌّ عَمَلاً أَنْجَى لَهُ مِنْ عَذَابِ اللهِ مِنْ ذِكْرِ اللهِ. قَالُوا: يَا أَبَا عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَان، وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيْلِ اللهِ؟ قَالَ: وَلاَ إِلَى أَنْ يِضْرِبَ بِسَيْفِهِ حَتَّى يَنْقَطِعَ لِأَنَّ اللهَ تَعَالَى يَقُولُ فِي كِتَابِهِ: (وَلَذِکرُ اللهِ أَکبَرُ).
Narrated from Muādh bin Jabal (رضی اللہ عنہ) , he said, “No other action of man is more effective to deliver him from Allah’s torment than remembrance of Allah (SWT).” People asked, “O Abu Abd-ur-Rahman, not even fighting in the way of Allah?” He replied, “No, even if he strikes his sowrd so much that it breaks because Allah (SWT) enjoins in His Book: ‘Indeed remembrance of Allah is the greatest.’”
46. عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْن عَمْرٍو رضي الله عنهما قَالَ: ذِكْرُ اللهِ الْغَدَاةَ وَالْعَشِيَّ أَعْظَمُ مِنْ حِطَمِ السُّيُوفِ فِي سَبِيْلِ اللهِ وَإِعْطَاءِ الْمَالِ سَحًّا.
Narrated from Abdullah bin Amr, he said, “Remembrance of Allah (SWT) morning and evening is superior to breaking swords in fighting for Allah (SWT) and spending generously in His way.”
47. عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: لَذِكْرُ اللهِِ عزوجل بِالْغَدَاةِ وَالْعَشِيِّ خَيْرٌ مِنْ حِطَمِ السُّيُوفِ فِي سَبِيْلِ اللهِ عزوجل.
Narrated from Anas bin Mālik (رضی اللہ عنہ) , he said, “Indeed, remembrance of Allah (SWT) morning and evening is better than breaking swords in the path of Allah (SWT).”
Chapter 8: The rememberers of Allah (SWT) are superior to fighters in His way
48. عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ رضي الله عنه أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم سُئِلَ: أَيُّ الْعِبَادِ أَفْضَلُ دَرَجَةً عِنْدَ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ؟ قَالَ: الذَّاكِرُونَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتُ. قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ! وَمَنِ الْغَازِي فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ؟ قَالَ: لَوْ ضَرَبَ بِسَيْفِهِ فِي الْكُفَّارِ وَالْمُشْرِكِينَ حَتَّى يَنْكَسِرَ وَيَخْتَضِبَ دَمًا لَكَانَ الذَّاكِرُونَ اللَّهَ أَفْضَلَ مِنْهُ دَرَجَةً.
Abu Saeed Khudri (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) was asked, “Who will be superior in rank in the sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection?” He said, “The men and the women who remember Allah (SWT) greatly.” The narrator states: I submitted, “O Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) , are they superior even to those who fight in the way of Allah (SWT)?” He said, “Even if he wields his sword among infidels and polytheists until it breaks, blood stained, the rememberers of Allah are superior to him in grade.”
49. قَالَ مُعَاذٍ بْنِ جَبَلٍ رضی الله عنه: لَو أَنَّ رَجُلَيْنِ يَحْمِلُ أَحَدُهُمَا عَلَى الْجِيَادِِ فِي سَبِيْلِ اللهِ وَالآخَرُ يَذْكُرُ الله، لَكَانَ أَفْضَلَ أَوْ أَعْظَمَ أَجْرَا الذَّاكِرُ.
Muādh ibn Jabal (رضی اللہ عنہ) said, “If there are two people one of whom rides on a horse in order to fight for Allah while the other gets engaged in remembering Allah (SWT), the one who remembers Allah (SWT) is granted superior and greater bounty and reward.”
50. قَالَ عَبْدُ اللهِ رضی الله عنه: لَوْ أَنَّ رَجُلاً بَاتَ يَحْمِلُ عَلَى الْجِيَادِ فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ وَبَاتَ رَجُلٌ يَتْلُو كِتَابَ اللهِ، لَكَانَ ذَاكِرُ اللهِ أَفْضَلَهُمَا.
Abdullah (رضی اللہ عنہ) said, “If someone spends a night on horseback fighting in the way of Allah and some other spends it in reciting the Holy Qur’an and remembering Allah, indeed the one who remembers Allah is superior to the other.”
Chapter 9: Remembrance of Allah (SWT) is superior to giving gold and silver in charity
51. عَنْ أَبِي الدَّرْدَاءِ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: أَلَا أُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِخَيْرِ أَعْمَالِكُمْ وَأَزْكَاهَا عِنْدَ مَلِيكِكُمْ، وَأَرْفَعِهَا فِي دَرَجَاتِكُمْ، وَخَيْرٌ لَكُمْ مِنْ إِنْفَاقِ الذَّهَبِ وَالْوَرِقِ، وَخَيْرٌ لَكُمْ مِنْ أَنْ تَلْقَوْا عَدُوَّكُمْ فَتَضْرِبُوا أَعْنَاقَهُمْ وَيَضْرِبُوا أَعْنَاقَكُمْ؟ قَالُوا: بَلَى. قَالَ: ذِكْرُ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى. فَقَالَ مُعَاذُ بْنُ جَبَلٍ رضی الله عنه: مَا شَيْءٌ أَنْجَى مِنْ عَذَابِ اللَّهِ مِنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ.
Abu Darda (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Shall I not inform you the best and the purest of your deed in the sight of your Master, which is the highest in your degrees, is superior to your spending gold and silver in charity, and is better than confronting and fighting against your enemy, cutting one another’s necks?” The Companions submitted, “Yes, indeed!” He said, “It is remembering Allah.” Muādh ibn Jabal (رضی اللہ عنہ) said, “There is nothing more effective to deliver you from the torment of Allah (SWT) than remembrance of Allah (SWT).”
52. عَنْ مُعَاذِ بن أَنَسٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: الذِّكْرُ يَفْضُلُ عَلَى النَّفَقَةِ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ مِائَةَ ضِعْفٍ.
Muādh ibn Anas (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Remembrance of Allah (SWT) is hundred times superior to spending in the way of Allah.”
53. عَنْ مُعَاذِ بن أَنَسٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ الذِّكْرَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى يُضَعَّفُ فَوْقَ النَّفَقَةِ بِسَبْعِ مِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ.
Muādh ibn Anas (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Indeed, remembrance of Allah (SWT) is seven hundred times superior to spending in the path of Allah (SWT).”
54. عَنْ مُعَاذِ بن أَنَسٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ الصَّلاَةَ وَالصِّيَامَ وَالذِّكْرَِ يُضَاعَفُ عَلَى النَّفَقَةِ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِسَبْعِ مِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ.
Muādh ibn Anas (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Indeed, the reward of ritual prayer, fasting and remembrance of Allah (SWT) exceeds the reward of spending in the way of Allah (SWT) by seven hundred times.”
55. عَنْ أَبِي مُوْسَى رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: لَوْ أَنَّ رَجُلاً فِي حِجْرِهِ دَرَاهِمَ يُقَسِّمُهَا وَآخَرُ يَذْكُرُ اللهَ، كَانَ الذَّاكِرُ لِلَّهِ أَفْضَلَ.
Abu Musa (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “If someone possesses money and distributes it and some other is engaged in remembrance of Allah (SWT), the one who remembers Allah is superior.”
56. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: الذِّكْرُ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الصَّدَقَةِ...
Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Remembrance of Allah (SWT) is better than charity donation….”
Chapter 10: Remember Allah (SWT) so much that hypocrites call you insane
57. عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيْدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ رضي الله عنه أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: أَكْثِرُوا ذِكْرَ اللَّهِ حَتَّى يَقُولُوا مَجْنُونٌ.
Abu Saeed Khudri (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Remember Allah (SWT) so much that people start saying, ‘He has gone mad.’”
58. عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رضي الله عنهما، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا يَقُولُ الْمُنَافِقُونَ: إِنَّكُمْ تُرَاءُونَ.
Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنھما) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Perform remembrance of Allah in such a way that hypocrites start saying: ‘He is showing off.’”
59. عَنْ أَبِي الْجَوْزَاء رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: أَكْثِرُوا ذِكْرَ اللَّهِ حَتَّى يَقُولَ الْمُنَافِقُونَ: إِنَّكُمْ مُرَاؤُونَ.
Abu Jawza (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Remember Allah so excessively that hypocrites say: ‘You people are doing this just for show.’”
60. عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رضي الله عنهما، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا حَتَّى يَقُولَ الْمُنَافِقُونَ: إِنَّكُمْ مُرَاؤُونَ.
Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنھما) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Perform remembrance of Allah (greatly) in such a way that the hypocrites say, ‘You people only pretend.’” 2
Refrences
|
