Hadith #4420

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ وُفِّقَ لِرَشادِهِ تَزَوَّدَ لِمَعادِهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of attaining rectitude or righteousness in this world, as it leads to the acquisition of provisions for the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith. The word (wuffiqa) "وُفِّقَ" comes from the root word (wafaqa) "وَفَقَ", which means to be successful or to be granted success. It implies that one has been blessed with the ability to achieve righteousness and guidance. The word (rashadihi) "رَشَادِهِ" refers to rectitude, righteousness, or the right path. It signifies the state of being upright, morally sound, and guided by divine principles. Finally, the word (tazawwada) "تَزَوَّدَ" means to acquire provisions or to prepare for something.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is righteousness. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights the importance of acquiring provisions for the journey of the Hereafter. While physical provisions are necessary for our worldly needs, the ultimate provision that truly matters is righteousness. It is through righteousness that we attain success in both this life and the Hereafter.

Another verse that complements the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80:

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse reflects the desire of a believer to enter and exit this world with firmness and steadfastness. It is through rectitude and righteousness that one can achieve this state. By seeking provisions for the Hereafter, one is granted the strength and sustenance needed to navigate the challenges of this world and the journey towards the Hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that success in attaining rectitude is not only beneficial for our spiritual well-being, but it also has profound consequences for our Hereafter. When a person is guided towards righteousness, they acquire provisions that will benefit them in the Hereafter. These provisions include good deeds, sincere repentance, and a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By striving for rectitude, we are motivated to perform acts of worship, fulfill our obligations, and avoid sinful behavior. This motivation stems from our understanding that our actions in this world have eternal consequences. We are aware that the provisions we acquire through righteousness will be our sustenance in the Hereafter, where we will be held accountable for our deeds.

The consequences of attaining rectitude are not limited to the Hereafter alone. In this world, a person who is successful in their pursuit of righteousness experiences a sense of inner peace, contentment, and tranquility. They are guided by divine principles and their decisions are based on moral values. This leads to a life of integrity, compassion, and justice, which positively impacts their relationships, communities, and society as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of striving for rectitude and righteousness in our lives. It is through this pursuit that we acquire provisions for our Hereafter. Let us seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to ensure that our actions are in accordance with His divine will. May Allah grant us success in our pursuit of rectitude and may He bless us with provisions for our Hereafter.