The Excellence of the Remembrance of Allah

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And the remembering (praising) of (you by) Allah (in front of the angels) is greater indeed [than your remembering (praising) of Allah in prayers]” [Quran, 29:45]

“Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying). I will remember you.” [Quran, 2:152]

“And remember your Rubb by your tongue and within yourself, humbly and with fear and without loudness in words, in the mornings and in the afternoons, and be not of those who are neglectful.” [Quran, 7:205]

“And remember Allah much, that you may be successful.” [Quran, 62:10]

“Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam) men and women… (up to)… And the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues. Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e., Jannah).” [Quran, 33:35]

“O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance. And glorify His Praises morning and afternoon [the early morning (Fajr) and ‘Asr prayers].” [Quran, 33:41,42]

 

1408. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are two statements that are light for the tongue to remember, heavy in the Scales and are dear to the Merciful: ‘Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allahil-Azim [Glory be to Allah and His is the praise, (and) Allah, the Greatest is free from imperfection)’.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith affirms that man’s actions carry weight. On the Day of Judgement, his actions will be cast into the Balance. At that time Allah will endow these actions with weight, or according to some scholars, those records which register man’s actions will be weighed. This is quite possible for the reason that Almighty Allah is Capable of weighing things without even their physical form. This discussion apart, when actions will be cast into the Balance, the formula mentioned in the Hadith, the utterance of which is very easy, will prove weighty. Every Muslim should make it a practice to repeat them frequently.

1409. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “The uttering of the words: “Subhan-Allah (Allah is free from imperfection), Al-hamdu lillah (all praise is due to Allah), La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah) and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)’ is dearer to me than anything over which the sun rises.” [Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith highlights the fact that the formulas which mention the Praise and Glory of Allah, His Majesty and Oneness are liked by the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) more than anything in the world, because this is one of the virtues which will survive and will be rewarded, while the world and all that it has will perish.

1410. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who utters a hundred times in a day these words: ‘La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli sha’in Qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him; His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent),’ he will have a reward equivalent to that for emancipating ten slaves, a hundred good deeds will be recorded to his credit, hundred of his sins will be blotted out from his scroll, and he will be safeguarded against the devil on that day till the evening; and no one will exceed him in doing more excellent good deeds except someone who has recited these words more often than him. And he who utters: ‘Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise)’ one hundred times a day, his sins will be obliterated even if they are equal to the extent of the foam of the ocean.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: Here sins mean minor sins and those which do not relate to the rights of people. This point has already been elaborated in the preceding ahadith.

1411. Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “He who utters ten times: ‘La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahulmulku wa lahulhamdu, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli sha’in Qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent),’ he will have a reward equal to that for freeing four slaves from the progeny of Prophet Isma’il.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: “Slaves from the progeny of Isma’il” is a simile for very precious slaves. That is, it has the same reward to which the emancipation of four very precious slaves is eligible.

1412. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Shall I tell you the expression that is most loved by Allah?” It is ‘Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi’ (Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise)’.” [Muslim].

1413. Abu Malik Al-Ash’ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Wudhu’ is half of Salat, and the expression: ‘Subhan-Allah (Allah is free from imperfection)’ fills the Balance, and the expression: ‘Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)’ fills the space between the heavens and the earth.” [Muslim].

Commentary: “Tuhur” is purification or Wudhu’, while “Tahur” is water or something which is used for purification. According to some scholars, ‘Faith” means Salat. This is also the sense in which it has been used in the Quran: “And Allah would never make your Faith to be lost (i.e., your prayers).” [Quran, 2:143]. Thus when Salat is the Faith, the purification is a prerequisite for Salat. Salat is not valid without purification. Some scholars are of the opinion that Faith here means Faith in general, as the Shari’ah defines it: To sincerely accept and believe in all that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came with, i.e., sincere acceptance of Allah and His Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

“Purification is half of the Faith” means the acceptance that purification is the most important article of Faith. It is like the saying of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that “Hajj is ‘Arafah”, which means that ‘Arafat (the place where the pilgrims stay on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah) is the most important element of the Hajj. Thus, this Hadith stresses the importance and merits of purification and offers an inducement for it. It also mentions the eminence of the invocations mentioned in the Hadith by saying that if they are given a form, they will fill the space between the heavens and the earth. In other words, it is a description of the infinite vastness of the Mercy and Grace of Allah.

1414. Sa’d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and said to him, “Teach me a few words to recite frequently.” He (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Say: “La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu; Allahu Akbar kabiran, wal-hamdu lillahi kathiran, wa subhan-Allahi Rabbil-‘alamin; wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahil-‘Azizil-Hakim (there is no true god except Allah the One and He has no partner with Him; Allah is the Greatest and greatness is for Him. All praise is due to Him. Allah, the Rubb of the worlds is free from imperfection; there is no might and power but that of Allah, the All-Powerful and the All-Wise.)”’ The bedouin said: “All of these for my Rubb. But what is for me?” Thereupon he (Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)) said, “You should say: ‘Allahummaghfir li, warhamni, wahdini, warzuqni (O Allah! Grant me pardon, have mercy upon me, direct me to righteousness and provide me subsistence)’.” [Muslim].

1415. Thauban (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) concluded his prayer, he would beg forgiveness from Allah thrice and then would recite: “Allahumma Antas-Salamu, wa minkas-salamu, tabarakta ya Dhal-Jalali wal-Ikram (O Allah, You are the Grantor of security, and security comes from You. You are Blessing, O You Who have majesty and nobility)!” (Imam) Al-Awza’i, one of the narrators of this Hadith, was asked: “How forgiveness is to be sought?” He answered: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to say: ‘Astaghfirullah! Astaghfirullah! (I beseech Allah for forgiveness, I beseech Allah for forgiveness)’.” [Muslim].

1416. Al-Mughirah bin Shu’bah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to say at the conclusion of prayer: “La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in Qadir. Allahumma la mani’a lima a’tayta, wa la mu’tiya lima mana’ta, wa la yanfa’u dhal-jaddi, minkal-jaddu (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him, His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent. O Allah! None can deny that which You bestow and none can bestow that which You hold back; and the greatness of the great will be of no avail to them against You).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: “Al-Jaddu” means good luck and richness. That is, good fortune and prosperity will not be of any avail before Allah. What will really benefit a person before Him are Faith and virtuous deeds. The prayer quoted in this Hadith makes a special mention of His Oneness.

1417. It has been reported that ‘Abdullah bin Zubair (May Allah be pleased with them) used to recite after Taslim at the conclusion of every Salat (prayer): “La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in Qadir. La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah. La ilaha illallahu, wa la na’budu illa iyyahu, Lahun-ni’matu, wa lahul-fadlu, wa lahuth-thana’ul-hasan. La ilaha ilallahu, mukhlisina, lahud-dina, wa lau karihal-kafirun (there is no true god except Allah; He is One. To Him belongs the dominion and to Him is all praise, and He is Powerful over all things. There is no power and might except with (the help of) Allah. There is no God but Allah and we worship none except Him, to Him belongs the bounty and to Him belongs the grace, and to Him belongs all excellent praise; there is no deity but Allah. We reserve our devotion exclusively for Him though the disbelievers may detest it).” Ibn Az-Zubair said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to celebrate Allah’s Greatness in those terms after every Salat (prayer). [Muslim].

Commentary: The invocation mentioned in this Hadith is ordained by the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and was his practice. To recite Shahadah repeatedly after Salat and to offer benediction and salutations to the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) collectively is a self-invented formula and is not consonant with the practice of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). It is, therefore, a heresy and will have no merit. Every Muslim has to follow only the preachings and practice of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

1418. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The poor Emigrants came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and said: “The wealthy have gone with the highest ranks and lasting bliss.” He asked: “How is that?” They replied: “They offer Salat (prayer) as we offer it; they observe fast as we do; (and as they are wealthy) they perform Hajj and ‘Umrah, and go for Jihad, and they spend in charity but we cannot, and they free the slaves but we are unable to do so.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I not teach you something with which you may overtake those who surpassed you and with which you will surpass those who will come after you? None will excel you unless he who does which you do.” They said: “Yes, please do, O Messenger of Allah” He (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “You should recite: Tasbih (Allah is free from imperfection), Takbir (Allah is Greatest), Tahmid (Praise be to Allah) thirty-three times after each Salat.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Abu Salih, the sub-narrator of the Hadith said, when Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) was asked about the manner of reciting Tasbih, Tahmid and Takbir, he said, “Recite: “Subhan-Allah, wal-hamdulillah, wallahu Akbar’, till all are recited thirty-three times.”

Commentary: This Hadith has already been mentioned, but with a slightly different wording with reference to Sahih Muslim. The elaboration made by Abu Salih apparently seems to indicate that all the three words should be recited in combination while other religious scholars have shown preference for reciting them separately. The purpose is, however, attained in either way. There does arise one question here: Should one recite each of these words thirty-three times or in all for thirty-three times? The wording of the Hadith does not make this clear. Other ahadith, (which will follow soon) make it clear that each of these words is to be recited for thirty-three times. This is how their aggregate will come to ninety-nine. The Hadith that follows makes this point lear.

1419. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who recites after every prayer: Subhan-Allah (Allah is free from imperfection) thirty-three times; Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) thirty-three times; Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest) thirty-three times; and completes the hundred with: La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in Qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent), will have all his sins pardoned even if they may be as large as the foam on the surface of the sea.” [Muslim].

1420. Ka’b bin ‘Ujrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are some words, the reciters of which will never be disappointed. These are: Tasbih [saying ‘Subhan-Allah’ (Allah is free from imperfection)], thirty-three times, Tahmid [saying ‘Al-hamdu lillah’ (praise be to Allah)] thirty-three times and Takbir [saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is Greatest)] thirty-four times; and these should be recited after the conclusion of every prescribed prayer.” [Muslim]

Commentary: “Muaqqibat” means the words of Praise and Glorification of Allah which are recited after Salat. This Hadith says that the words “Allahu Akbar” should be recited thirty-four times.

1421. Sa’d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to seek (Allah’s) protection after prayers in these words: “Alla-humma inni a’udhu bika minal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa a’udhu bika min an uradda ila ardhalil-‘umur, wa a’udhu bika min fitnatid-dunya, wa a’udhu bika min fitnatil-qabr (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from cowardice, miserliness and from being sent back to a feeble age; and, seek refuge with You from the trials of this life and those of the grave).” [Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: Some religious scholars are of the opinion that it is better to observe reciting this Du’a after concluding prayers, and that it is better to combine both. Some scholars say that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to recite this Du’a just before Taslim, while he used to recite the Du’a mentioned earlier after Taslim.

1422. Mu’adh (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) took hold of my hand and said, “O Mu’adh! By Allah I love you, so I advise you to never forget to recite after every prayer: “Allahumma a’inni ala dhikrika, wa shukrika, wa husni ‘ibadatika (O Allah, help me remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in an excellent manner).” [Abu Dawud].

Commentary: This Hadith stresses the fact that one should seek the Help of Allah for His remembrance, thanksgiving and worship, because one cannot do anything without His Help and Support. It also shows the superiority of Mu’adh (May Allah be pleased with him) and the Prophet’s love for him.

1423. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “When anyone of you has done his Tashahhud during Salat (prayer), he should seek refuge in Allah against four things and say: “Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min ‘adhabi jahannam, wa min ‘adhabil-qabr, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat, wa min sharri fitnatil-masihid-dajjal (O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the torment of Hell, from the torment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the mischief of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal (Antichrist).” [Muslim].

Commentary: “Trials of life” means ordeals which one has to face in life and which can harm his Faith and body. “The trials of death” means the troubles which one has to face before death. “Masih” means Mumsuh-ul-‘Ain, one who is squint. Ad-Dajjal (deceiver, impostor) refers to that man with a squint who will appear before the Day of Judgement. This is why he is called Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal. He will make claim of godhood and in order to test the Faith of people, Allah will get some supernatural works done from him. The pious ones would, however, recognize him and will save themselves from his trap. This will be a great trial indeed and one must seek refuge with Allah from it.

1424. ‘Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was in Salat (prayer), he used to supplicate towards the end of prayer after Tashahhud and before the concluding salutations: “Allahum-maghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akh-khartu, wa ma asrartu, wa ma a’lantu, wa ma asraftu, wa ma Anta a’lamu bihi minni. Antal-Muqqadimu, wa Antal-Mu’akh-khiru. La ilaha illa Anta (O Allah! Forgive my former and latter sins, which I have done secretly and those which I have done openly, and that I have wronged others, and those defaults of mine about which You have better knowledge than I have. You Alone can send whomever You will to Jannah, and You Alone can send whomever You will to Hell-fire. None has the right to be worshipped but You.” [Muslim].

1425. ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to recite frequently in his bowing and prostration: “Subhanak-Allahumma, Rabbana wa bihamdika. Allahum-maghfir li (O Allah! You are free from imperfection and I begin with praising You. Forgive my sins).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1426. ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to recite in his bowing and prostration: “Subbuhun Quddusun, Rabbul-mala’ikati war-ruh [You are the Most Glorious. The Most Holy. You the Rubb of the angels and of Jibril.” [Muslim].

Commentary: “Subbuh” and “Quddus” are two attributive Names of Allah which denote His Perfect Purity and Uniqueness. “Ar-Ruh” means Jibril (Gabriel). Although he, too, comes in the category of angels but his special mention is made here to emphasize his majesty and honour. In short, the recitation of the prayers mentioned in this Hadith is in keeping with the practice of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

1427. Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Glorify your Lord in Ruku’ (bowing posture) and exert yourself in supplication in prostration. Thus your supplications are liable to be accepted.” [Muslim].

1428. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “A slave becomes nearest to his Rubb when he is in prostration. So increase supplications while prostrating.” [Muslim].

Commentary: Both the ahadith mentioned above, evidently show that there is greater possibility of acceptance of an invocation which is made in prostration. Therefore, one must do it in the voluntary Salat.

1429. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to say in his prostration: Allahum-maghfir li dhanbi kullahu: diqqahu wa jillahu, wa ‘awwalahu wa akhirahu, wa alaniyatahu wa sirrahu (O Allah! Forgive all my sins, the small and the great, first and the last, the open and the secret).” [Muslim].

Commentary: Although the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was innocent and free of sins, he used to pray for the forgiveness of his shortcomings out of his gratitude to Allah’s Might and Majesty. Thus, this Hadith has a great lesson for us. In spite of being innocent, he was always fearful of the Wrath of Allah, while we, despite being embodiments of sins, are fearless of Allah.

1430. ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: One night I missed the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) from his bed. I searched for him. When I found him he was in bowing or prostrating posture and was reciting: Subhanaka wa bi hamdika. La ilaha illa Anta (You are free from imperfection and I begin praising You. There is no true god except You).”

Another narration is: My hand fell over his feet while he was in prostration with his feet erect. He was supplicating: “Allahumma inni a’udhu biridaka min sakhatika, wa bi-mu’afatika min ‘uqubatika, wa a’udhu bika minka, la uhsi thana’an ‘alaika, Anta kama athnaita ‘ala Nafsika (O Allah! I seek protection against Your Wrath in Your Pleasure. I seek protection in Your Pardon against Your chastisement, I am not capable of enumerating praise of You. You are as You have lauded Yourself).”

1431. Sa’d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) when he asked, “Is anyone of you unable to earn a thousand good deeds?” One of those present asked: “How can one earn thousand good deeds in a day?” He (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied, “By saying: Subhan Allah a hundred times, then one thousand good deeds will be recorded for him or one thousand sins will be blotted out from his record.” [Muslim].

Commentary: One thousand good deeds in return for saying the word “Subhan-Allah” is a minimum reward under the promise that says i.e., ten-fold reward would be given for each good deed. The words “Au yuhattu” is open to disagreement among the religious scholars. Some of them have mentioned it with “Au” which means one gets one thousand good deeds or a thousand sins are forgiven; while others have mentioned this Hadith with the word “Wa yuhattu”, that is, one is given a thousand virtues and a similar number of sins are pardoned.

1432. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every morning charity is due from every joint bone of the body of every one of you. Every utterance of Allah’s Glorification (i.e., Subhan-Allah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of praise of Him (i.e., Al-hamdu lillah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of profession of Faith (i.e., La ilaha illallah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of His Greatness (i.e., Allahu Akbar) is an act of charity; and enjoining good is an act of charity and forbidding what is disreputable is an act of charity; and two Rak’ah prayer which one offers in the forenoon (Ad-Duha) will suffice for all this.” [Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith brings into prominence the distinction of the two Rak’ah of Ad-Duha as it is a means to express one’s gratitude to Allah for 360 joints in one’s body. Similarly, the Praise and Glorification of Allah, the declaration of His Oneness, enjoining good and forbidding vices are all Sadaqah of man’s body.

1433. Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith (May Allah be pleased with her) reported, the Mother of the Believers: The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Are you still in the same position as I left you.” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet said, “I recited four words three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, ‘adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinatah ‘arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi [Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the weight of His Throne and equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise)].” [Muslim].

Commentary: The recitation of the words quoted in this Hadith is highly meritorious and rewarding because they are full of Praise and Glorification of Allah.

1434. Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “The similitude of one who remembers his Rubb and one who does not remember Him, is like that of the living and the dead.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: Lack of remembrance of Allah is akin to death. When a person dies, he is unable to do anything. Similarly, a person who does not remember Allah goes so far from Him that he cannot do anything which can benefit him.

1435. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah the Exalted says: ‘I am as my slave expects me to be, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me inwardly, I will remember him inwardly, and if he remembers Me in an assembly, I will remember him in a better assembly (i.e., in the assembly of angels).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: “I am as my slave expects me to be” means that one should have the conviction that He accepts repentance, grants pardon, relieves people of their tensions and emancipates them from their troubles. Along with this conviction one should do good deeds which please Allah and avoid such deeds which have been prohibited by Him. With this conduct, one should hope for the best from Allah. This approach is similar to that of a cultivator who ploughs his land, sows the seed, waters it, takes every possible care of it and then cherishes hope for a good crop. It can also be linked to the endeavours of a person who intends to become a scholar, or a physician or an engineer. The first and foremost requirement to pursue his ambition is to study the books through which he can gain the required knowledge. For every work one intends to do, one has to first make a foundation and then acquire the means essential for it. It is only then that one can hope to achieve one’s aim.

Similar is the case of associating good hopes with Allah. Unless a person does not furnish the foundation of Faith and good deeds for it, it will be unwise to associate good hopes with Allah. A slave who rather than serving his master runs away or annoys him and still hopes that his master being so kind will not take him to task for his excesses would be called stupid by the people. The same is true of Allah, who is certainly the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful and Forgiving. But for whom is He so? The answer is for His faithful and obedient slaves and not for those who are followers of Satan. For Satan and his followers, Allah’s Decision is that: “I will fill Hell with you (Iblis) and those of them (mankind) that follow you, together.” [Quran, 38:85]

1436. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “The Mufarridun have gone ahead.” He was asked, “Who are the Mufarridun?” He (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Those men and women who frequently celebrate the remembrance of Allah.” [Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith highlights the following two points: First, the eminence of plentiful remembrance of Allah. People who have this quality will be ahead of others in reward on the Day of Judgement. Second, people who remember Allah and are obedient to Him, be they men or women, will be rewarded equally. In the matter of reward no distinction will be made on the basis of their gender.

1437. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying, “The best way to celebrate the remembrance of Allah is to say: La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah).” [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: Since the Shahadah is the basis of Islam, its repetition in abundance has the greatest eminence. Some religious scholars regard only La ilaha illallah as eminent, while others hold that the second part of it (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah) is also included in it. Thus, in their opinion both these parts of the Shahadah should be recited together.

1438. ‘Abdullah bin Busr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: One of the Companions said, “O Messenger of Allah. There are many injunctions of Islam for me. So tell me something to which I may hold fast.” He said, “Keep your tongue wet with the remembrance of Allah.” [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: Shara’i’ is the plural of Shari’ah. Shari’ah is in the sense of Mashru’ah, that is the Divine injunctions. These Divine injunctions are of various kinds, i.e., some of them are obligatory, some desirable and some voluntary. The obligatory ones are compulsory and their compliance is indispensable. What is termed as Mustahabbat (desirables) are also highly important for gaining the Pleasure of Allah. Similarly, voluntary acts are a means of getting close to Allah. Ordinary people are sometimes puzzled by the abundance of the latter and want to adhere to the first two, that is obligations and what comes in the category of desirables. A desire to this effect is mentioned in this Hadith. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) answered the query in this matter by saying to the inquirer, “Keep your tongue wet with the remembrance of Allah.” Keeping the tongue wet with the remembrance of Allah here means its abundant recitation. In other words, one should make the remembrance of Allah a permanent feature. If one is not able to do many voluntary good works, which some people find difficult, the remembrance of Allah will make up the deficiency in that regard.

1439. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “For him who says: ‘Subhan-Allahi wa bi hamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection, and I begin with praising Him, and to Him),’ a palm-tree will be planted in Jannah.” [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: Jannah is so vast that we cannot even imagine its vastness. The planting of trees in return for the Praise and Glorification of Allah is, therefore, neither something difficult nor surprising. So, there should not be any hesitation in accepting it as a fact. Some people take it is as a metaphor for a plentiful reward.

1440. Ibn Mas’ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “I met Ibrahim (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) on the Night of Ascension (Al-Asra), and he said to me: ‘O Muhammad, convey my greetings to your Ummah, and tell them that Jannah has a vast plain of pure soil and sweet water. It is a plain levelled land. The plants grow there by uttering: Subhan-Allah, Al-hamdu lillah, La ilaha illallah and Allahu Akbar (Allah is free from imperfection; praise be to Allah; there is no true god except Allah; and Allah is Greatest).” [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: Qi’an is the plural of Qa’ which means plain levelled land that does not have any tree. Trees grow on the plain land of Jannah in return for remembrance and Glorification of Allah. The more one remembers Allah, the greater is the number of trees which grow on the piece of land that will be awarded to him.

1441. Abud-Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I not i nform you of the best of your actions which are the purest to your Rubb, which exalt you to the high ranks, which are more efficacious than spending gold and silver (in charity), and better for you than you should encounter your enemies whom you will smite their necks and they will smite your necks?” They said, “Certainly.” He (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Remembrance of Allah the Exalted.” [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: This Hadith also tells us about the eminence of remembrance of Allah, as the basis of every good deed is remembrance of Allah and expression of one’s devotion and obedience to Him. Without these two, even the greatest virtue is useless and is of no value. Thus, we must always bear it in mind that remembrance of Allah is superior to everything else.

1442. Sa’d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and I went to see a woman. She had date-stones or pebbles in front of her, and she was counting and reciting Tasbih. [‘Subhan-Allah’ (Allah is free from imperfection)]. He said, “Shall I not inform you of what is easier or better than this for you?” You should say: ‘Subhan-Allahi ‘adada ma khalaqa fis-sama’, wa subhan-Allahi ‘adada ma khalaqa fil-ardi, wa subhan-Allahi ‘adada ma baina dhalika, wa subhan-Allahi ‘adada ma Huwa Khaliqun, wallahu Akbaru mithla dhalika, wal-hamdu lillahi mithla dhalika, wa la ilaha illallahu mithla dhalika, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahi mithla dhalika (Subhan-Allah, equal to the number of what He created in the heaven; and Subhan-Allah, equal to the number of His creatures in the earth; and Subhan-Allah, equal to the number in between them; and Subhan-Allah equal to the number of those He will create).’ Then say: ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is Greatest) in the same way. Then say: ‘Al-hamdu lillah’ (praise be to Allah) in the same way. Then say: ‘La ilaha illallah’ (there is no true god except Allah) in the same way. Then say: ‘La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah’ (there is no change of a condition nor power except by Allah) in the same manner.” [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: Sheikh Al-Albani has accepted this Hadith as Hasan because of the defect in its authority. He has stated that the original narration of it is without any reference to gravels and stones (of fruits) and that is “Sahih” and has been mentioned by Imam Muslim in his Sahih with reference to Jawairiyah (May Allah be pleased with her). (See Riyad-us-Saliheen, edited by Sheikh Al-Albani).

1443. Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Shall I not guide you to a treasure from the treasures of Jannah?” I said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!” Thereupon he (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “(Recite) ‘La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah’ (There is no change of a condition nor power except by Allah).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: In this Hadith the invocation “La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah” has been regarded a treasure of Jannah or one of the most precious stores of Jannah. The reason for its high eminence seems to be that through it, one makes a confession of his utter weakness and helplessness and attributes all power and authority to Allah, and this is very much liked by Allah. This statement is an outright admission that man has no power and if he can prevent himself from any mischief or do any good deed, it is only by the Will of Allah and His Permission.

Source: Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen (English version), Chapter 244.