Pearls of Remembrance

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.’”

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Pearls of Remembrance

Chapter 6: Allah (SWT) asks angels about His rememberers

1. 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.’”

2. 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.’”

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Pearls of Remembrance

Chapter 11: The rememberers of Allah (SWT) are His companions

1. عَنْ كَعْبٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ مُوْسَى عليه السلام: أَيْ رَبِّ، أَقَرِيْبٌ أَنْتَ فَأُنَاجِيْكَ أَمْ بَعِيْدٌ فَأُنَادِيْكَ؟ قَالَ: يَا مُوْسَى، أَنَا جَلِيْسُ مَنْ ذَكَرَنِي.

Ka‘b (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Prophet Musa (علیہ السلام) said, “O my Lord! Are You near me so that I may whisper to You or are You far away so that I may call out to You?” Allah (SWT) said, “O Musa, I sit with him who remembers Me.”

2. عَنْ ثَوْبَانَ مَولَى النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: قَالَ مُوْسَى: يَا رَبِّ، أَقَرِيْبٌ أَنْتَ أُنَاجِيْكَ أَمْ بَعِيْدٌ أُنَادِيكَ؟ فَإِنِّي أُحِسُّ حِسَّ صَوْتِكَ وَلاَ أَرَاكَ. فَأَيْنَ أَنْتَ؟ فَقَالَ اللهُ عزوجل: خَلْفَكَ وَأَمَامَكَ وَعَنْ يَمِينِكَ وَعَنْ شِمَالِكَ. يَا مُوسَى، إِنِّيْ جَلِيْسُ عَبْدِي حِيْنَ يَذْكُرُنِي وَأَنَا مَعَهُ إِذَا دَعَانِي.

Thawbān (رضی اللہ عنہ) , freed slave of the Holy Prophet, narrates that the Prophet Musa (علیہ السلام) said, “O my Lord! Are You near me so that I may whisper to You or are You far away so that I may call You out loudly? Surely I hear Your voice but cannot see You. So, where are You?” Allah (SWT) said, “I am behind you, in front of you, on your right and on your left. O Musa! I sit beside My servant when he remembers Me and I am with him when he calls out to Me.”

3. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضی الله عنه: عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَقُولُ: أَنَا مَعَ عَبْدِي إِذَا هُوَ ذَكَرَنِي وَتَحَرَّكَتْ بِي شَفَتَاهُ.

Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said: “Allah (SWT) says, ‘I am with My servant when he remembers Me and his lips quiver in My remembrance.’”

4. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضی الله عنه: عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَقُولُ: أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي وَأَنَا مَعَهُ حِينَ يَذْكُرُنِي.

Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah (SWT) says, ‘I treat My servant the way he thinks of Me and I am with him when he remembers Me.’”

5. عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ رضي الله عنه أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: يَقُولُ اللهُ عزوجل: أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي وَأَنَا مَعَهُ إذَا دَعَانِي.

Anas ibn Malik (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah (SWT) says, ‘I am to My servant what he thinks of Me and I am with him when he calls out to Me.’”

66. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضی الله عنه: قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَالَ: إِذَا تَلَقَّانِي عَبْدِي بِشِبْرٍ، تَلَقَّـيْـتُهُ بِذِرَاعٍ. وَإِذَا تَلَقَّانِي بِذِرَاعٍ، تَلَقَّيْتُهُ بِبَاعٍ. وَإِذَا تَلَقَّانِي بِبَاعٍ، أَتَيْتُهُ بِأَسْرَعَ.

Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) that Allah (SWT) said, “When My servant nears Me a span, I get near him an arm. When he comes closer to Me an arm I get closer to him two arms. When he gets near Me two arms I get near him a lot quicker.”

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Pearls of Remembrance

Chapter 16: The rememberers of Allah (SWT) will be seated on the pulpits of pearls and light on the Last Day

1. عَنْ أَبِي الدَّرْدَاءِ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: لَيَبْعَثَنَّ اللهُ أَقْوَامًا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فِي وُجُوهِهِمُ النُّورُ عَلَى مَنَابِرِ اللُّؤْلُؤِ. يَغْبِطُهُمُ النَّاسُ لَيْسُوا بِأَنْبِيَاءَ وَلاَ شُهَدَاءَ. قَالَ: فَجَثِىَ أَعْرَابِيٌّ عَلَى رُكْبَتَيْهِ فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ، حِلْهُمْ لَنَا نَعْرِفُهُمْ. قَالَ: هُمُ الْمُتَحَابُّونَ فِي اللهِ مِنْ قَبَائِلَ شَتىَّ وَبِلاَدٍ شَتىَّ. يَجْتَمِعُونَ عَلَى ذِكْرِ اللهِ يَذْكُرُونَهُ.

Abu Darda (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “On the Day of Resurrection Allah will raise people with their faces radiant bright; they will be sitting on pulpits of pearls. People will marvel at them. They will be neither Prophets nor martyrs.” Abu Darda says, “A Bedouin rose on his knees and submitted, ‘O Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) , describe their appearances so that we may recognise them.’ He said, ‘Despite coming from different tribes and areas these people love one another for the sake of Allah; they get together and remember Allah (SWT) jointly.’”

2. عَنْ مُعَاذِ بْنِ جَبَلٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم يَقُولُ: قَالَ اللَّهُ عزوجل: الْمُتَحَابُّونَ فِي جَلَالِي لَهُمْ مَنَابِرُ مِنْ نُورٍ يَغْبِطُهُمْ النَّبِيُّونَ وَالشُّهَدَاءُ.

Muādh ibn Jabal (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) saying: ‘Allah has said: Those who love one another for My Majesty and Grandeur will have pulpits of light, and Prophets and martyrs will feel for them delightd.’”

3. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إنَّ مِنْ عِبَادِ اللهِ عِبَادًا لَيْسُوا بِأَنْبِيَاءَ، يَغْبِطُهُمُ الأنْبِيَاءُ وَالشُّهَدَاءُ. قِيْلَ: مَنْ هُمْ لَعَلَّنَا نُحِبُّهُمْ؟ قَالَ: هُمْ قَومٌ تَحَابُّوا بِنُورِ اللهِ مِنْ غَيْرِ أَرْحَامٍ وَلاَ انْتِسَابٍ، وُجُوهُهُمْ نُورٌ عَلَى مَنَابِرَ مِنْ نُورٍ. لاَ يَخَافُونَ إذَا خَافَ النَّاسُ، وَلاَ يَحْزَنُونَ إذَا حَزِنَ النَّاسُ. ثُمَّ قَرَأَ: (أَلاَ إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللّهِ لاَ خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَO).

Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Indeed, there are some of the servants of Allah (SWT) who are not Prophets, but Prophets and martyrs will feel for them delighted.” It was submitted, “Who are they so that we love them?” He said, “They are the people who love one another only for the sake of Allah, without any kinship or family link. Their faces will be full of light and they will sit on pulpits of light. They will have no fear when people will be struck with fear, and they will have no grief when people will be struck with grief.” Then he recited the verse: “Beware! For sure, neither any fear obsesses the friends of Allah nor will they grieve.”

4. عَنْ أَبِي مَالِكٍ الأَشْعَرِيِّ رضي الله عنه، قَالَ : كُنْتُ عِنْدَ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم، فَنَزَلَتْ هَذِهِ الآيَةُ: (لاَ تَسْأَلُواْ عَنْ أَشْيَاءَ إِن تُبْدَ لَكُمْ تَسُؤْكُمْ)، قَالَ : فَنَحْنُ نَسْأَلُهُ، إِذْ قَالَ: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ عِبَادًا لَيْسُوا بِأَنْبِيَاءَ وَلا شُهَدَاءَ، يَغْبِطُهُمُ النَّبِيُّونَ وَالشُّهَدَاءُ بِقُرْبِهمْ ومَقْعَدِهِمْ مِنَ اللَّهِ عزوجل يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ. قَالَ: وَفِي نَاحِيَةِ الْقَوْمِ أَعْرَابِيٌّ، فَقَامَ فَجَثَا عَلَى رُكْبَتَيْهِ وَرَمَى بِيَدَيْهِ، ثُمَّ قَالَ: حَدِّثْنَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ عَنْهُمْ مَنْ هُمْ؟ قَالَ: فَرَأَيْتُ وَجْهَ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم يَنْتَشِرُ، فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: عِبَادٌ مِنْ عِبَادِ اللَّهِ مِنْ بُلْدَانٍ شَتَّى وَقَبَائِلَ مِنْ شُعُوبِ أَرْحَامِ الْقَبَائِلِ. لَمْ يَكُنْ بَيْنَهُمْ أَرْحَامٌ يَتَوَاصَلُونَ بِهَا لِلَّهِ، لا دُنْيَا يَتَبَادَلُونَ بِهَا، يَتَحَابُّونَ بِرُوحِ اللَّهِ عزوجل، يَجْعَلُ اللَّهُ وُجُوهَهُمْ نُورًا، يَجْعَلُ لَهُمْ مَنَابِرَ مِنْ لُؤْلُؤٍ قُدَّامَ الرَّحْمَنِ تَعَالَى، يَفْزَعُ النَّاسُ وَلا يَفْزَعُونَ، وَيَخَافُ النَّاسُ وَلا يَخَافُونَ.

Abu Mālik Ash‘ari (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates, “I was with the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) when this verse was sent down: ‘Do not ask about things which, if made manifest to you, might do you harm.’” He says, “We asked the Beloved Messenger (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) questions to which he replied: ‘Some of the servants of Allah (SWT) are those who are neither Prophets nor martyrs. But on the Day of Resurrection Prophets and martyrs will exult over their nearness to Allah (SWT) and the couches granted to them by Him.’ A Bedouin, sitting on one side, bowed on his knees, struck both his hands and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, tell us about them who they are.’ I saw the Holy Countenace of the Beloved Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) blossomed with a blissful smile. He (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, ‘They are the people who come from different areas and tribes; they do not have any blood-relations but when they meet they try to exceed each other in warmth, affection and love seeking Allah’s pleasure and no worldly interest or benefit. They also try to surpass each other in spending in the way of Allah. They love each other for the sake Allah alone. Allah will brighten their faces. Allah will place pulpits of pearls for them in front Him. On that Day people will be obsessed with fear but they will be free of any fear; people will be sad but they will be glad.’”

5. عَنْ عَمْرٍو بْنِ عَبَسَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم يَقُولُ: عَنْ يَمِيْنِ الرَّحْمَنِ، وَكِلْتَا يَدَيْهِ يَمِيْنٌ، رِجَالٌ لَيْسُوا بِأَنْبِيَاءَ وَلاَ شُهَدَاءَ. يَغْشَى بَيَاضُ وَجُوهِهِمْ نَظْرَ النَّاظِرِينَ، يِغْبِطُهُمُ النَّبِيُّونَ وَالشَّهَدَاءُ بِمَقْعَدِهِمْ وَقُرْبِهِمْ مِنَ اللهِ عزوجل. قِيْلَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ! مَنْ هُمْ؟ قَالَ: هُمْ جِمَاعٌ مِنْ نَوَازِعِ الْقَبَائِلِ. يَجْتَمِعُونَ عَلَى ذِكْرِ اللهِ، فَيَنْتَقُونَ أَطَايِبَ الْكَلاَمِ كَمَا يَنْتَقِي آكِلُ التَّمْرِ أَطَايِبَهُ.

Amr ibn Abasah (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) saying: ‘There will be some people on the right of Rahman (SWT), although both His hands are right, who will be neither Prophets nor martyrs. The light of their faces will be dazzling the viewers’ eyes. Prophets and martyrs will feel joyful for their couches and nearness to Allah (SWT).’ It was submitted, ‘Who are they, O Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) ?’ The Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said: ‘They are the people from different tribes who used to assemble to remember Allah (SWT). They used to choose beautiful words for remembrance of Allah (SWT) as a date-eater selects the best dates.’”

6. عَنْ أبِي مُسلِم الْخَولاَنِيّ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قُلْتُ لِمُعَاذٍ بْنِ جَبَلٍ: وَالله! إنِّي لَأُحِبُّكَ لِغَيْرِ دُنْيَا أَرْجُو أَن أُصِيْبَهَا مِنْكَ وَلاَ قَرَابَةٍ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَكَ. قَالَ: فَلِأَيِّ شَيْءٍ؟ قُلتُ: لِلَّهِ. قَالَ: فَجَذَبَ حُبْوَتِي. ثُمَّ قَالَ: أَبْشِرْ إِنْ كُنْتَ صَادِقًا، فَإِنِّي سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم يَقُولُ: الْمُتَحَابُّونَ فِي اللهِ فِي ظِلِّ الْعَرْشِِ يَوْمَ لاَ ظِلَّ إلاَّ ظِلَّهُ. يَغْبِطُهُمْ بِمَكَانِهِم النَّبِيُّونَ وَالشُّهَدَاءُ. ثُمَّ قَالَ: فَخَرَجْتُ فَأَتَيْتُ عُبَادَةَ بْنَ الصَّامِتِ فَحَدَّثْتُهُ بِحَدِيْثِ مُعَاذٍ، فَقَالَ عُبَادَةُ بْنُ الصَّامِتِ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم يَقُولُ عَنْ رَبِّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى: حُقَّتْ مَحَبَّتِي عَلَى الْمُتَحَابِّيْنَ فِيَّ، وَحُقَّتْ مَحَبَّتِي عَلَى الْمُتَنَاصِحِيْنَ فِيَّ، وَحُقَّتْ مَحَبَّتِيْ عَلَى الْمُتَزَاوِرِيْنَ فِيَّ، وَحُقَّتْ مَحَبَّتِي عَلَى الْمُتَبَاذِلِيْنَ فِيَّ. وَهُمْ عَلَى مَنَابِرَ مِنْ نُورٍ. يَغْبِطُهُمُ النَّبِيُّونَ وَالصِّدِّيْقُونَ بِمَكَانِهِمْ.

Abu Muslim Khawlani (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates, “I said to Muādh ibn Jabal (رضی اللہ عنہ) : ‘By Allah, I love you but not for any worldly interest which I seek from you; we are not related to each other.’ Muādh ibn Jabal (رضی اللہ عنہ) said: ‘Then why do you love?’ I said: ‘For Allah’s sake.’” Abu Muslim Khawlani says, “He pulled my wrapper and said, ‘If you are truthful, I give you the good news. I heard the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) saying: ‘Those who love each other for the sake of Allah will be under the shade of Allah’s Throne on the Day when there will be no shade except His. The Prophets and martyrs will exult over their station.’” Abu Muslim Khawlani (رضی اللہ عنہ) says, “I left that place, came to Ubādah ibn Sāmit (رضی اللہ عنہ) and told him what Muādh had said. Ubādah ibn Sāmit (رضی اللہ عنہ) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) narrating from his Lord: ‘My love is indispensable for those who love one another for My sake; My love is indispensable for those who learn lessons from one another for My sake and My love is indispensable for those who visit one another for My sake and My love is indispensable for those who spend on one another for my sake. These people (for whom Allah’s love becomes indispensable) will be on pulpits of light; the Prophets and the the truthful (siddiqs) will exult over their station.”

7. عَنْ سَعِيْدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ قَالَ: لِلْمُتَحَابِّيْنَ فِي اللهِ عزوجل مَنَابِرُ مِنْ نُورٍ يَغْبِطُهُم بِهَا الشُّهَدَاءُ.

Saeed ibn Musayyab said: “Those who love one another for Allah’s sake will have pulpits of light to sit on the Day of Resurrection which the martyrs will marvel at.”

8. عَنِ الْعلاء بْنِ زِيَادٍ رضي الله عنه عَنْ نَبِيِّ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: عِبَادٌ مِنْ عِبَادِ اللهِ لَيْسُوا بِأَنْبِيَاءَ وَلاَ شُهَدَاءَ، يَغْبِطُهُمُ الْأَنْبِيَاءُ وَالشُّهَدَاءُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بِقُرْبِهِمْ مِنَ اللهِ عَلَى مَنَابِرَ مِنْ نُوْرٍ. يَقُولُ الْأَنْبِيَاءُ وَالشُّهَدَاءُ: مَنْ هَؤُلاَءِ؟ فَيَقُولُونَ: هَؤُلاَءِ كَانُوا يَتَحَابُّونَ فِي اللهِ عَلَى غَيْرِ أَمْوَالٍ تَعَاطُوْهُمْ وَلاَ أَرْحَامٌ كَانَتْ بَيْنَهُمْ.

Alā ibn Ziyād (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said: “There are some servants of Allah (SWT) who are neither Prophets nor martyrs, yet on the Day of Resurrection Prophets and martyrs will marvel at them as they will be on pulpits of light blessed with nearness of Allah. The Prophets and martyrs will ask, ‘Who are these people?’ It will be said, ‘These are the people who used to love each other for Allah’s sake without any kinship or material interests.’

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Pearls of Remembrance

Chapter 21: The rememberers’ houses shine for those in heavens as stars for those on earth

1. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: إِنَّ أَهْلَ السَّمَاءِ لَيَرَوْنَ بَيُوتَ أَهْلِ الذِّكْرِ تُضِيءُ لَهُمْ كَمَا تُضِيءُ الْكَوَاكِبُ لِأَهْلِ الْأَرْضِ.

Abu Hurayrah (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates, “Indeed, those in heavens see the houses of Allah’s rememberers shining as stars shine in the sky for those on earth.”

2. عَنْ سَابِطٍ رضي الله عنه عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: إِنَّ الْبَيْتَ الَّذِيْ يُذْكَرُ اللهُ فِيْهِ لَيُضِيْءُ لِأَهْلِ السَّمَاءِ كَمَا تُضِيْءُ النُّجُوْمُ لِأَهْلِ الْأَرْضِ.

Sābit (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Indeed, the house where Allah (SWT) is remembered shines to those in heavens as stars shine to those on earth.”

Chapter 22: Those who hold remembrance sessions will be generous and bountiful on the Day of Judgment

3. عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيْد رضي الله عنه عَنْ رَسُولِ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: يَقُولُ الله عزوجل: سَيَعْلَمُ أَهْلُ الْجَمِيعِ الْيَومَ مَنْ أَهْلُ الْكَرَمِ. فَقِيْلَ: مَنْ أَهْلُ الْكَرَمِ، يَا رَسُولَ الله؟ قَالَ: أَهْلُ مَجَالِسِ الذِّكْرِ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ.

Abu Saeed (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah (SWT) says, ‘The people assembling on the Day of Resurrection will come to know who the generous people are.” The Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) was asked, “Who are the generous people, O Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) ?” He replied, “Those who hold remembrance sessions in mosques.”

4. عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيْدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ رضي الله عنه أنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: لَيَذْكُرَنَّ اللهَ قَوْمٌ فِي الدُّنيَا عَلَى الْفَرْشِ الْمُمَهَّدَةِ، يُدْخِلُهُمُ الدَّرَجَاتِ الْعُلَى.

Abu Saeed Khudri (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Some people, in this world, will remember Allah (SWT) on their beds. Allah will admit them to lofty and superior ranks.”

5. عَنْ عُقْبَةَ بْنِ عَامِرٍ الْجُهْنِيِّ رضي الله عنه عَنْ رَسُولِ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: يُجْمَعُ النَّاسُ فِي صَعِيْدٍ وَاحِدٍ يَنْفُذُهُم الْبَصَرُ وَيُسْمِعُهُمُ الدَّاعِي. فَيُنَادِي مُنَادٍ: سَيَعْلَمُ أَهْلُ الْجَمْعِ لِمَنِ الْكَرَمُ الْيَوْمَ، ثَلاَثَ مَرَّاتٍ، ثُمَّ يَقُولُ: أَيْنَ الَّذِيْنَ كَانَتْ (تَتَجَافَى جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ الْمَضَاجِعِ)؟ ثُمَّ يَقُولُ: أَيْنَ الَّذِيْنَ كَانُوْا (لَّا تُلْهِيهِمْ تِجَارَةٌ وَلَا بَيْعٌ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ) إِلَى آخِرِ الْآيَةِ، ثُمَّ يُنَادِي مُنَادٍ: سَيَعْلَمُ الْجَمْعُ لِمَنِ الْكَرَمُ الْيَوْمَ. ثُمَّ يَقُولُ: أَيْنَ الْحَمَّادُوْنَ الَّذِيْنَ كَانُوا يَحْمَدُونَ رَبَّهُمْ؟

Uqbah ibn Amir Juhani (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “On the Day of Judgement the entire mankind will be assembled on a high place where every eye will be able to see them and a caller will make them listen. An announcer will then announce three times, ‘The people of the Great Gathering will know today as to who are the generous and bountiful people.’ Then he will say, ‘Where are they who used to keep away from their beds (at night)?’ Then he will announce, ‘Where are they… (whom) neither business nor sale could divert from remembrance of Allah?’ Then the caller will announce, ‘The Great Gathering will learn today who the generous are today.’ Then he will say, ‘Where are they who praise their Lord greatly?’”

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Pearls of Remembrance

Chapter 26: The best people are those whose sight reminds you of Allah (SWT)

1. عَنْ أَسْمَاءَ بِنْتِ يَزِيدَ رضي الله عنها أَنَّهَا سَمِعَتْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم يَقُولُ: أَلَا أُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِخِيَارِكُمْ؟ قَالُوا: بَلَى، يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ. قَالَ: خِيَارُكُمْ الَّذِينَ إِذَا رُءُوا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ عزوجل.

Asma (ل) bint Yazid narrates that she heard the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) saying, “Shall I not inform you of the best people among you?” The Companions said, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) .” He said, “The best people among you are those that mere seeing them inspires you to remember Allah.”

2. عَنْ أَسْمَاءَ بِنْتِ يَزِيدَ رضي الله عنها أَنَّهَا سَمِعَتْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم يَقُولُ: أَلَا أُخْبِرُكُمْ بِخِيَارِكُمْ؟ قَالُوا: بَلَى، يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ. قَالَ: الَّذِينَ إِذَا رُءُوا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى.

Asma (ل) bint Yazid narrates that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Shall I not tell you who the best among you are?” The Companions said, “Certainly, O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “They are the ones whose glimpse alone makes you remember Allah.”

3. عَنْ شَهْرِ بْنِ حَوْشَبٍ عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ غَنْمٍ يَبْلُغُ بِهِ النَّبِيَّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: خِيَارُ عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ إِذَا رُءُوا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ.

Shahr ibn Hawshab states that Abd-ur-Rahman ibn Ghanam (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated the following tradition of the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) , “The best servants of Allah are those that mere seeing them makes you remember Allah.”

4. عَنْ عُبَادَةَ بْنِ الصَّامِتِ رضي الله عنه أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: إِنَّ خِيَارَ أُمَّتِي الَّذِينَ إِذَا رُءُوا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ.

Ubādah ibn Sāmit (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Indeed, the best people of my ummah are those that when you see them you remember Allah.”

5. عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ رضي الله عنه، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ مِنَ النَّاسِ مَفَاتِيحَ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ، إِذَا رُءُوا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ.

Abdullah ibn Masūd (رضی اللہ عنھما) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Surely certain people are the keys to remembrance of Allah (SWT). The moment you see them you remember Allah (SWT).”

6. عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ رضي الله عنهما عَنْ رَسُولِ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم أَنَّهُ قَالَ: خِيَارُكُمُ الَّذِيْنَ إِذَا رُؤُوا ذُكِرَ اللهُ بِهِمْ.

Abdullah ibn Umar (رضی اللہ عنھما) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “The best of you are those that mere seeing them inspires remembrance of Allah.”

7. عَنْ عَمْرٍو بْنِ الْحَمِقِ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: لاَ يُحِقُّ الْعَبْدُ حَقِيْقَةَ الْإِيْمَانِ حَتَّى يَغْضَبَ لِلَّهِ وَيَرْضَى لِلَّهِ. فَإِذَا فَعَلَ ذَلِكَ فَقَدِ اسْتَحَقَّ حَقِيْقَةَ الْإِيْمَانِ. وَإِنَّ أَحِبَّائِي وَأَوْلِيَائِي الَّذِيْنَ يُذْكَرُونَ بِذِكْرِي وَأُذْكَرُ بِذِكْرِهِمْ.

Amr ibn Hamiq (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “The servant (of Allah) cannot realise the reality of faith until he gets angry for Allah’s sake and loves for Allah’s sake. When he does that, he experiences the reality of faith. Indeed, My beloved ones and My friends are those who are remembered when I am mentioned, and I am remembered when they are mentioned.”

8. عَنْ سَعِيْدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: سُئِلَ رَسُولَ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم عَنْ أَوْلِيَاءِ اللهِ، فَقَالَ: الَّذِيْنَ إِذَا رُءُوا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ عزوجل.

Saeed ibn Jubayr (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) was asked about the friends of Allah (SWT). He said, “They are those that the moment you see them you remember Allah.”

9. عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رضي الله عنهما قَالَ: قَالَ رَجُلٌ: يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ، مَنْ أَوْلِيَاءُ اللهِ؟ قَالَ: الَّذِيْنَ إِذَا رُءُوا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ.

Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنھما) narrates, “A man asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) , who are the friends of Allah?’ He replied: ‘They are the people whose sight brings about Allah’s remembrance.’”

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Pearls of Remembrance

Chapter 31: Allah will shelter His rememberer beneath His shade on the Day of Judgment

1. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: سَبْعَةٌ يُظِلُّهُمْ اللَّهُ فِي ظِلِّهِ يَوْمَ لَا ظِلَّ إِلَّا ظِلُّهُ: الْإِمَامُ الْعَادِلُ، وَشَابٌّ نَشَأَ فِي عِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِ، وَرَجُلٌ قَلْبُهُ مُعَلَّقٌ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ، وَرَجُلَانِ تَحَابَّا فِي اللَّهِ اجْتَمَعَا عَلَيْهِ وَتَفَرَّقَا عَلَيْهِ، وَرَجُلٌ طَلَبَتْهُ امْرَأَةٌ ذَاتُ مَنْصِبٍ وَجَمَالٍ فَقَالَ إِنِّي أَخَافُ اللَّهَ، وَرَجُلٌ تَصَدَّقَ أَخْفَى حَتَّى لَا تَعْلَمَ شِمَالُهُ مَا تُنْفِقُ يَمِينُهُ، وَرَجُلٌ ذَكَرَ اللَّهَ خَالِيًا فَفَاضَتْ عَيْنَاهُ.

Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “There are seven kinds of people whom Allah (SWT) will shelter beneath His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His: a just ruler; a young man grown up worshipping his Lord; a man whose heart is attached to mosques; two men who love one another, meet and separate only for the sake of Allah; a man whom a woman of rank and beauty invites towards sin but he says, ‘I fear Allah (SWT)’; a person who gives charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has spent; a man who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes well.”

2. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَقُولُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ: أَيْنَ الْمُتَحَابُّونَ بِجَلَالِي؟ الْيَوْمَ أُظِلُّهُمْ فِي ظِلِّي يَوْمَ لَا ظِلَّ إِلَّا ظِلِّي.

Abu Huraira (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Allah (SWT) will say on the Day of Resurrection, ‘Where are those who had mutual love for the sake of My glory? Today I will shelter them in My shade when there is no shade but Mine.’”

Chapter 32: The most beloved action in the sight of Allah (SWT) is excessive remembrance

3. عَنْ مُعَاذٍ رضي الله عنه عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم أَنَّ رَجُلًا سَأَلَهُ فَقَالَ: أَيُّ الْجِهَادِ أَعْظَمُ أَجْرًا؟ قَالَ: أَكْثَرُهُمْ لِلَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى ذِكْرًا. قَالَ: فَأَيُّ الصَّائِمِينَ أَعْظَمُ أَجْرًا؟ قَالَ: أَكْثَرُهُمْ لِلَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى ذِكْرًا. ثُمَّ ذَكَرَ لَنَا الصَّلَاةَ وَالزَّكَاةَ وَالْحَجَّ وَالصَّدَقَةَ كُلُّ ذَلِكَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم يَقُولُ: أَكْثَرُهُمْ لِلَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى ذِكْرًا. فَقَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ رضي الله عنه لِعُمَرَ رضی الله عنه: يَا أَبَا حَفْصٍ! ذَهَبَ الذَّاكِرُونَ بِكُلِّ خَيْرٍ. فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: أَجَلْ.

Muādh (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates from his father who narrates from the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) that a man asked him, “What kind of jihad is the greatest in terms of reward?” He answered, “The one in which Allah (SWT) is remembered greatly.” The man then asked, “Who receive the greatest reward among those who fast?” He replied, “Those of them who remember Allah too much.” The man then asked about prayer, zakah, pilgrimage and charity. The Messenger of Allah said regarding all of them, “The one in which Allah (SWT) is remembered excessively (holds the highest reward).” Upon this, Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ) said to Umar (رضی اللہ عنہ) , “O Abu Hafs! The people who remember Allah have taken all the rewards.” The Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Of course.”

4. عَنْ مُعَاذٍ بْنِ جَبَلٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم أَكْثِرُوا ذِكْرَ اللهِ عَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ. فَلَيْسَ عَمَلٌ أَحَبَّ إِلَى اللهِ وَلاَ أَنْجَى لِعَبْدِهِ مِنْ ذِكْرِ اللهِ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ.

Muādh ibn Jabal (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Remember Allah (SWT) immensely in all circumstances. No action of man is more beloved to Allah (SWT) and serves more as a saviour in the world and the Hereafter than remembrance of Allah (SWT).”

5. عَنْ أُمِّ أَنَسٍ رضي الله عنها، أَنَّهَا قَالَتْ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أَوْصِنِي. قَالَ: اهْجُرِي الْمَعَاصِيَ، فَإِنَّهَا أَفْضَلُ الْهِجْرَةِ. وَحَافِظِي عَلَى الْفَرَائِضِ، فَإِنَّهَا أَفْضَلُ الْجِهَادِ. وَأَكْثِرِي مِنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ، فَإِنَّكِ لا تَأْتِينَ اللَّهَ بِشَيْءٍ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ كَثْرَةِ ذِكْرِهِ.

Umm Anas (ل) narrates that she said, “O Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) , bless me with some advice.” He said, “Migrate from sins; that is the best migration. Take care of your duties; that is the best jihad (struggle). And remember Allah (SWT) exceedingly because you cannot present anything to Allah (SWT) which is dearer to Him than massive remembrance.”

6. عَنْ أُمِّ أَنَسٍ رضي الله عنها، قَالَتْ: أَتَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم، فَقُلْتُ: جَعَلَكَ اللَّهُ فِي الرَّفِيقِ الأَعْلَى مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ وَأَنَا مَعَكَ، وَقُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، عَلِّمْنِي عَمَلا صَالِحًا أَعْمَلُهُ. فَقَالَ: أَقِيمِي الصَّلاةَ، فَإِنَّهَا أَفْضَلُ الْجِهَادِ، وَاهْجُرِي الْمَعَاصِي، فَإِنَّهَا أَفْضَلُ الْهِجْرَةِ، وَاذْكُرِي اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا، فَإِنَّهُ أَحَبُّ الأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ تَلْقَينَهُ بِهِ.

Umm Anas (ل) narrates, “I visited the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) and said, ‘May Allah (SWT) grant you place in the Assembly of Supreme Companionship (ar-rafiq al-a‘lā) in Paradise and that I be with you!’ I then asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) , teach me a pious act so that I practise it (and avail your company in Paradise).’ He said, ‘Establish prayer because it is the best jihad; give up sins as that is the best hijrah (migration) and remember Allah (SWT) greatly for this action is the most beloved to Allah of the actions which you can forward to Him.’”

7. عَنْ أَبِي جَعْفَرَ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: أَشَدُّ الأَعْمَالِ ثَلاَثَةٌ: ذِكْرُ اللهِ عَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ، وَالإنْصَافُ مِن نَفْسِكَ، وَالْمُوَاسَاةُ فِي الْمَالِ.

Abu Jafar (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Three actions are the most powerful: to remember Allah persistently in all circumstances, to do justice on one’s part and to let people share one’s wealth.”

8. عَنْ عَلِيٍّ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: أَشَدُّ الأعْمَال ثَلاَثَةٌ: إعْطَاءُ الْحَقِّ مِن نَفْسِكَ، وَذِكْرُ اللهِ عَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ، وَمُوَاسَاةُ الأخِ فِي الْمَالِ.

Ali (رضی اللہ عنہ) said، “Three deeds are most powerful: to give people their rights, to remember Allah (SWT) in every state and to let your brother share your wealth.”

9. عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ رضي الله عنهما قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: أَشَدُّ الأعْمَال ثَلاَثَةٌ: إنْصَافُ النَّاسِ مِن نَفْسِكَ، مُوَاسَاةُ الأخِ مِنْ مَالِكَ، وَذِكْرُ اللهِ عَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ.

Abdullah ibn Umar (رضی اللہ عنھما) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Three deeds are most powerful: to do justice on your part, to let people share your wealth and to remember Allah in every circumstance.”

10. عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رضي الله عنهما فِي قَولِهِ (اُذکُرُواْ اللهَ ذِکْراً کَثِيراً) يَقُولُ: لاَ يَفْرِضُ عَلَى عِبَادِهِ فَرِيضَةً إِلاَّ جَعَلَ لَهَا حَدًّا مَعْلُومًا ثُمَّ عَذَّرَ أَهْلَهَا فِي حَالِ عُذْرٍ غَيْرَ الذِّكْرِ. فَإِنَّ اللهَ لَمْ يَجْعَلُ لَهُ حَدًّا يَنْتَهِي إِلَيْهِ وَلَمْ يُعَذِّرْ أَحَدًا فِي تَرْكِهِ إِلاَّ مَغْلُوبًا عَلَى عَقْلِهِ فَقَالَ: فَاذْكُرُوا اللهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلُى جُنُوبِكُمْ بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَفِي السَّفَرِ وَالْحَضَرِ وَالْغِنَى وَالْفَقَرِ وَالصِّحَةِ وَالسّقْمِ وَالسِّرِّ وَالْعَلاَنِيَّةِ وَعَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ...

Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنھما) elaborates the Qur’anic verse “Remember Allah excessively.” He says, “Whatever Allah has prescribed as obligatory is delineated. He exempted the handicapped for the peculiar handicaps except Allah’s remembrance. The obligation of remembrance is the only exception. Allah (SWT) has not set for it any limit, nor has He accepted any excuse to abandon it except the insane. He said, ‘Remember Allah (SWT) standing, sitting, on your sides during the night and the day, on land and at sea, during journey and at home, in poverty and in prosperity, in health and in sickness, secretly and openly – remember Him under all circumstances.’”

11. عَنْ مُقَاتِلٍ فِي قَولِهِ (اُذکُرُواْ اللهَ ذِکْراً کَثِيراً) قَالَ: بِاللِّسَانِ بِالتَّسْبِيْحِ وَالتَّكْبِيْرِ وَالتَّهْلِيْلِ وَالتَّحْمِيْدِ وَاذْكُرُوهُ عَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ.

Muqatal, interpreting Allah’s words “Remember Allah abundantly” says, “It means remember Him in every condition with the tongue (by saying) Subhan Allah (Allah is Pure), Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Supremely Great), la ilaha illallah (there is no God but Allah) and alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah).”

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Pearls of Remembrance

Chapter 36: Remembrance of Allah (SWT) cures hearts

1. عَنْ مَكْحُولٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: إنَّ ذِكْرَ اللهِ شِفَاءٌ, وَإنَّ ذِكْرَ النَّاسِ دَاءٌ.

Makhūl narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Indeed, remembrance of Allah (SWT) is a cure and remembrance of people is an illness.”

2. حَفْصَةُ بِنْتُ عُمَرَ رضي الله عنهما قَالَتْ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: يَا حَفْصَةَ، إيَّاكَ وَكَثْرَةَ الْكَلاَمِ، فَإنَّ كَثْرَةَ الْكَلاَمِ بِغَيْرِ ذِكْرِ اللهِ تَمِيْتُ الْقَلْبِ. وَعَلَيْكِ بِكَثْرَةِ ذِكْرِ اللهِ فَإنَّهُ يُحْيِى الْقَلْبَ.

Umm-ul-Muminīn Hafsah bint Umar (رضی اللہ عنھما) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) blessed her with his holy advice, “O Hafsah, eschew talking too much because too much talking except remembrance of Allah kills the heart. And remember Allah (SWT) greatly and persistently because it gives life to the heart.”

3. عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ رضي الله عنهما قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: لاَ تُكْثِرُوا الْكَلَامَ بِغَيْرِ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ، فَإِنَّ كَثْرَةَ الْكَلَامِ بِغَيْرِ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ قَسْوَةٌ لِلْقَلْبِ، وَإِنَّ أَبْعَدَ النَّاسِ مِنْ اللَّهِ الْقَلْبُ الْقَاسِي.

Abdullah ibn Umar (رضی اللہ عنھما) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Do not talk much without remembering Allah because excessive talk without Allah’s remembrance hardens hearts. And of men the farthest from Allah is the callous-hearted.”

4. عَنْ أُمِّ حَبِيبَةَ زَوْجِ النَّبِيِّ رضي الله عنها عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم قَالَ: كُلُّ كَلَامِ ابْنِ آدَمَ عَلَيْهِ لاَ لَهُ إِلاَّ أَمْرٌ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ نَهْيٌ عَنْ مُنْكَرٍ أَوْ ذِكْرُ اللَّهِ.

Umm-ul-Muminīn Umm Habibah (ل) narrates from the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) , “Except for commanding the right and forbidding the wrong and remembering Allah, no utterance of Adam’s son goes to his favour.”

5. عَنْ أَنَسٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: ذِكْرُ اللهِ شِفَاءُ الْقُلُوبِ.

Anas (رضی اللہ عنہ) states, “Remembrance of Allah (SWT) is a cure for hearts.”

6. عَنْ عَوْنِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللهِ قَالَ: مَجَالِسُ الذِّكْرِ شِفَاءُ الْقُلُوبِ.

Awn ibn Abdullah states, “Dhikr sittings are a cure for hearts.”

Chapter 37: Remembrance of Allah (SWT) is better than freeing slaves

7. عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: لَأَنْ أَقْعُدَ مَعَ قَوْمٍ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى مِنْ صَلَاةِ الْغَدَاةِ حَتَّى تَطْلُعَ الشَّمْسُ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ أَنْ أَعْتِقَ أَرْبَعَةً مِنْ وَلَدِ إِسْمَعِيلَ، وَلَأَنْ أَقْعُدَ مَعَ قَوْمٍ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ مِنْ صَلَاةِ الْعَصْرِ إِلَى أَنْ تَغْرُبَ الشَّمْسُ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ أَنْ أَعْتِقَ أَرْبَعَةً.

Anas ibn Malik (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Sitting with rememberers of Allah (SWT) after the fajr (morning) prayer till sunrise is more pleasing to me than setting free four slaves of the descendants of Ismail, and sitting with rememberers of Allah (SWT) after the asr (afternoon) prayer till sunset is more pleasing to me than setting free four slaves.”

8. عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ رضي الله عنه قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلي الله عليه وآله وسلم: لَأَنْ أَجْلِسَ مَعَ قَوْمٍ يَذْكُرُوْنَ اللهَ بَعْدَ صَلاَةِ الصُّبْحِ إِلَى أَنْ تَطْلُعَ الشَّمْسَ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا طَلَعَتْ عَلَيْهِ الشَّمْسُ. وَلَأَنْ أَجْلِسَ مَعَ قَوْمٍ يَذْكُرُونَ اللهَ بَعْدَ الْعَصْرِ إِلَى أَنْ تَغِيْبَ الشَّمْسَ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ أَنْ أَعْتِقَ ثَمَانِيَةً مِنْ وَلَدِ إِسْمَاعِيلَ دِيَةَ كُلِّ رَجُلٍ مِنْهُمُ اثْنَا عَشَرَ أَلْفًا.

Anas ibn Malik (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “Sitting with rememberers of Allah (SWT) from the fajr (morning) prayer till sunrise is more beloved to me than anything else where the sun rises. Sitting with rememberers of Allah (SWT) from the asr (afternoon) prayer till sunset is more beloved to me than freeing eight people of the Children of Ismail, costing twelve thousand each.”

9. عَنْ سَالِمٍ قَالَ: قِيلَ لِأَبِي الدَّرْدَاءِ رضی الله عنه: إِنَّ أَبَا سَعْدِ بْنِ مُنَبَّهٍ جَعَلَ فِيْ مَالِهِ مِائَةَ مُحَرَّرَةٍ. فَقَالَ: إِنَّ مِائَةَ مُحَرَّرَةٍ فِيْ مَالِ رَجُلٍ لَكَثِيْرٌ. أَلاَ أُخْبِرُكُمْ بِأَفْضَلَ مِنْ ذَلِكَ؟ إِيْمَانٌ مَلْزُومٌ بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ وَلاَ يَزَالُ لِسَانُكَ رَطْبًا مِنْ ذِكْرِ اللهِ.

Salim narrates that Abu Darda (رضی اللہ عنہ) was told, “Abu Sa‘d ibn Munabbih has freed one hundred slaves out of his own wealth.” Abu Darda said, “Surely setting free a hundred slaves spending one’s property is a great thing, but shall I not tell you of something which is superior to that? That is steadfastness in your faith day and night and full time engagement of tongue in remembrance of Allah.”

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Pearls of Remembrance

Glossary

سبحانہ و تعالیٰ subhanahu wa taala — glorified and exalted is He; used after the name of Allah.
صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم sallallahu alayhi wa alihi wa sallam — may Allah sends blessings and salutations on him and his children; used after the name of the Last Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم).
علیہ السلام alayh-is-salam — may Allah’s send peace on him; used after a single name of Allah’s messenger, prophet and angel.
رضی اللہ عنہ radiyallahu anhu — may Allah be pleased with him; used after a single name of a male Companion of the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم).
رضی اللہ عنھما radiyallahu anhuma — may Allah be pleased with both of them; used after the names of two Companions of the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم), irrespective of their gender.
رضی اللہ عنھا radiyallahu anha — may Allah be pleased with her; used after a single name of a female Companion of the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم).
alhamdu lillah — praise be to Allah.
Allahu akbar — Allah is the greatest.
ar-rafiq-ul-ala — the Highest Companion. It refers to such companions as are granted the most exalted place in the highest rank of Paradise. They have been mentioned in the Holy Qur’an: All who obey Allah and the Messenger will be among those whom Allah has bestowed His blessings: the prophets and those who never deviated from the truth and the martyrs and the righteous ones (an-Nisa 4:69)!
asr — the afternoon prayer.
dhikr — In its verbal significance it implies to remember, to praise by frequently mentioning, to rehearse, to celebrate or commemorate, to make much of, to cherish the memory of as a precious possession.
dua — supplication to Allah.
fajr — dawn or early morning before sunrise; morning prayer.
hajj — The Pilgrimage to Makkah, the fifth pillar of Islam, is performed in the month of Zul Hijjah. All such Muslims as can afford this Pilgrimage and are physically able must make the Pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in their life.
imam — leader of prayers in a mosque.
iqamah — lit. “causing to stand”. It is the second call to prayer when the imam and the worshippers are ready to offer the prayer collectively. It is the same as the adhan (the call to prayer) with the addition of one sentence.
isha — the night prayer.
Jibrail/Jibril — the angle Gabriel. Jibrail was appointed by Allah to convey His Messages to His prophets and messengers.
jihad — lit. “effort, struggle”. Jihad means much more than the holy war. One of the main meanings of Jihad – which is meant here – is the internal spiritual struggle to live up to Islamic teachings. The word “jihad” is often wrongly translated as “holy war”. The primary aim of jihad is not the conversion of non-Muslims to Islam by force, but rather the defense of the Islamic state.
la ilaha illallah — lit. “There is no god but Allah.” It is the first part of the declaration of the Islamic Faith. The whole declaration of Faith is la ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah (There is no god but Allah: Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).
maghrib — the sunset prayer.
mufarradun — people who stay away from others. In the context of the tradition mufarradun means those men and women who make frequent remembrance of Allah.
siddiq —lit. “the one who never deviates from the truth”. A high rank of Muslim saints.
subhan Allah — Allah is pure.
ummah — “nation, people, generation, community”. It is used in reference to the community of Believers or Muslims.
umrah — A Lesser Pilgrimage to the sacred mosque at Makkah. It may be performed at any time except the eight, ninth and tenth days of the month of Zul Hijjah.
zakah — lit. “purification”. It is the third pillar of Islam. Zakah is the compulsory giving of 2.5% of one’s wealth in charity. It is a religious duty on Muslims who possess a certain amount of money to spend in Allah’s path yearly. It is meant to purify a person’s income. The proceeds of this money are spent mainly on the poor. It is an act of worship, not a religious tax.

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