Hadith #7145

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مِنَ العَقْلِ التَّزَوُّدُ لِيَوْمِ المَعادِ۔

This can be translated as,

Accumulating provisions for the Day of Return is from intelligence.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (tazawwud) "تَزَوُّدُ" in Arabic refers to the act of gathering or accumulating provisions. It implies being prepared and making necessary arrangements for a future event. In this context, it signifies the spiritual and moral provisions that one must gather in order to be prepared for the Day of Judgment, the Day of Return.

The Day of Judgment is a significant event in the Islamic belief, where every individual will be held accountable for their actions in this worldly life. It is a day of reckoning, where one's deeds will be weighed and their fate in the Hereafter will be determined. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of accumulating provisions for this day, indicating that it is a sign of intelligence and wisdom.

To further understand the significance of this statement, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Taghabun (64:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The Day when every soul will find what it has done of good present before it and what it has done of evil, it will wish that between itself and that [evil] was a great distance. And Allah warns you of Himself, and Allah is Kind to [His] servants.

This verse highlights the reality of the Day of Judgment, where every individual will witness the consequences of their actions. It emphasizes the importance of accumulating good deeds and provisions that will benefit us on that day. The intelligent person is the one who recognizes the significance of this day and takes the necessary steps to prepare for it.

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 reminds us that the worldly life is temporary and deceptive. The accumulation of material possessions and worldly achievements may provide temporary pleasure, but they hold no value in the Hereafter. True intelligence lies in recognizing the transient nature of this world and focusing on accumulating provisions that will benefit us in the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to prioritize the accumulation of provisions for the Day of Return over worldly pursuits. This includes acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, giving charity, and performing good deeds. It also encompasses the development of moral virtues, such as patience, gratitude, humility, and compassion. These provisions are like spiritual investments that will yield immense rewards on the Day of Judgment.

Furthermore, the accumulation of provisions for the Day of Return requires self-reflection, self-discipline, and constant improvement. It entails seeking knowledge and understanding the teachings of Islam, as well as implementing them in our daily lives. It involves purifying our hearts from negative traits and cultivating positive qualities. It necessitates seeking forgiveness for our sins and seeking reconciliation with others.

In conclusion, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that accumulating provisions for the Day of Return is a sign of intelligence and wisdom. It entails preparing ourselves spiritually and morally for the Day of Judgment, recognizing the temporary nature of this world, and prioritizing the pursuit of righteousness and good deeds. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to accumulate provisions for the Day of Return and may He make us among those who are successful in the Hereafter.