Hadith #7843

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) states,

One who is certain about the Hereafter increases his provisions [for it].

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of having certainty in the concept of the Hereafter and the need to prepare for it by increasing one's provisions.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (aiqana) "أيقَنَ" means to be certain or have firm belief. It signifies a level of conviction that goes beyond mere belief or assumption. The term (al-ma'ad) "المَعادِ" refers to the Hereafter, the life after death, and the Day of Judgment. And finally, (istakthara) "اِسْتَكْثَرَ" means to increase or accumulate.

To understand the beautiful 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 Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights the importance of preparing for the Hereafter by accumulating provisions. However, it also emphasizes that the best provision one can have is Taqwa, which is the consciousness of Allah and the fear of displeasing Him. Taqwa is the foundation upon which all other provisions should be built.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 18, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.

This verse highlights the concept of giving in the way of Allah, which is a form of increasing provisions for the Hereafter. By giving charity and lending to Allah, one not only benefits others in this world but also accumulates rewards and provisions for the Hereafter. This act of generosity is a means of increasing one's provisions and ensuring a noble reward in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that having certainty in the Hereafter is essential for a Muslim. This certainty should motivate us to increase our provisions for the Hereafter through various means, such as increasing our acts of worship, performing good deeds, and giving in charity.

When we are certain about the Hereafter, we are motivated to prioritize our actions and make choices that align with our ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter. This certainty acts as a driving force that shapes our behavior and encourages us to invest our time, wealth, and efforts in actions that will benefit us in the eternal life.

Conversely, if one lacks certainty in the Hereafter, they may become negligent and fail to prioritize their provisions for the Hereafter. This lack of certainty can lead to a life focused solely on worldly pursuits, neglecting the spiritual and moral aspects of life. Such a person may accumulate wealth and possessions in this world but will be deprived of provisions for the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of having certainty in the Hereafter and the need to increase our provisions for it. This certainty should motivate us to prioritize our actions and invest in acts of worship, good deeds, and charity. By doing so, we ensure that we are well-prepared for the eternal life and attain success in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the certainty and the ability to increase our provisions for the Hereafter.