Hadith #4556

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of preparing for the Hereafter while being aware of the transient nature of this worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his astonishment at those who are aware of their inevitable departure from this world, yet fail to make adequate provisions for their eternal life.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith by examining the key words and concepts it contains. The word (muntaqilun) "مُنْتَقِلٌ" refers to the act of moving away or departing from one place to another. In this context, it signifies the departure from the worldly life towards the Hereafter. The word (tazawwud) "تَزَوُّدَ" means to acquire or gather provisions. Here, it refers to the spiritual provisions and good deeds that one should accumulate in preparation for the Hereafter.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of preparing for the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).

This verse highlights that the best provision one can acquire for the Hereafter is piety and righteousness. It is through the cultivation of a strong connection with Allah and adherence to His commands that one can secure a prosperous Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse serves as a reminder that the worldly life is temporary and deceptive, and that true success lies in preparing for the everlasting life of the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand the beautiful message it conveys. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his amazement at those who possess the knowledge of their impending departure from this world, yet fail to prioritize their spiritual growth and acquisition of good deeds. This Hadith serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect upon their own lives and ensure that they are actively preparing for the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to be proactive in our pursuit of spiritual provisions. Just as we meticulously plan and gather provisions for our worldly journeys, we must also prioritize our spiritual journey towards the Hereafter. This entails engaging in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, performing good deeds, and constantly striving to improve our character.

The consequences of neglecting the preparation for the Hereafter are grave. Failing to acquire a goodly provision for the Hereafter can lead to regret and loss in the eternal life. The Hereafter is a realm of accountability and recompense, where the provisions we have gathered in this world will determine our ultimate fate. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to heed the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and prioritize their spiritual growth and acquisition of good deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the transient nature of this worldly life and to actively prepare for the everlasting life of the Hereafter. It calls upon us to acquire a goodly provision for our Hereafter through acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and performing good deeds. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to prioritize our spiritual growth and secure a prosperous Hereafter.