Hadith #11130

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "التَّقْوى خَيْرُ زاد۔" This is translated as

God-wariness is the best provision.

In this impactful saying , Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of taqwa, which can be understood as a state of consciousness and mindfulness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a comprehensive concept that encompasses fear of displeasing Allah, as well as striving to fulfill His commands and avoid His prohibitions.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us explore the significance of the key words used. "Taqwa" comes from the root word "waqa," which means to protect or shield oneself. It implies a sense of guarding oneself against anything that may lead to the displeasure of Allah. It involves being aware of His presence at all times and striving to live a righteous life in accordance with His guidance.

The term "zad" refers to provision or sustenance. It is what we rely on to sustain ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that the best and most valuable provision one can possess is taqwa. It is a provision that nourishes and sustains the soul, guiding it towards righteousness and protecting it from the pitfalls of sin and disobedience.

The importance of taqwa is emphasized throughout the Quran, with numerous verses highlighting its significance. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and taqwa, rather than in worldly attributes such as wealth or lineage.

Another verse that highlights the significance of taqwa is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse reminds us that while it is important to make necessary preparations for our worldly affairs, the ultimate provision that truly matters is taqwa. It is taqwa that will guide us through the challenges of life and bring us closer to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims of the importance of cultivating taqwa in their lives. Taqwa acts as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards righteousness and protecting us from the temptations and distractions of this world. It is through taqwa that we can attain true success and fulfillment in both this life and the hereafter.

By prioritizing taqwa, we develop a deep sense of consciousness and awareness of Allah's presence in our lives. This awareness influences our thoughts, actions, and decisions, leading us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. It motivates us to fulfill our obligations towards Allah and His creation, and to avoid anything that may displease Him.

The consequences of embodying taqwa are profound. It leads to a life of piety, humility, and righteousness. It strengthens our relationship with Allah and enables us to navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and resilience. Taqwa also serves as a shield against the whispers of Shaytan and the allure of sinful desires, protecting us from falling into the traps of disobedience.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded of the importance of constantly striving to increase our taqwa. We should seek knowledge, engage in acts of worship, and surround ourselves with righteous company to strengthen our taqwa. By doing so, we can ensure that we are equipped with the best provision for our journey in this world and the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of taqwa as the best provision for a Muslim. Taqwa is a comprehensive concept that encompasses fear of displeasing Allah and striving to fulfill His commands. It is a provision that nourishes and sustains the soul, guiding it towards righteousness and protecting it from sin. By prioritizing taqwa, we can attain true success and fulfillment in both this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate and increase our taqwa.