Hadith #10767

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best of provisions is having good inner consciences.

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of cultivating a pure and virtuous heart. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, drawing upon the teachings of the Quran to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (dhakha'ir) "ذَّخَائِرِ" in the Hadith refers to provisions or treasures. It signifies the spiritual and moral wealth that one accumulates in their lifetime. These treasures are not material possessions but rather the qualities and virtues that reside within a person's conscience. They are the intangible assets that shape our character and guide our actions.

To comprehend the significance of having good inner consciences, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. It is not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly possessions. The treasures that truly matter are the qualities of the heart, such as sincerity, humility, and compassion. These virtues are the foundation of a good inner conscience.

Another verse that sheds light on the importance of inner consciences is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah alone. It is not dependent on external factors or worldly achievements. Rather, it is the state of one's heart and their inner connection with Allah that determines their level of guidance. A good inner conscience allows a person to be receptive to divine guidance and enables them to make righteous choices.

Now, let us reflect on the consequences of having good inner consciences. When a person possesses virtuous qualities within their heart, it reflects in their actions and interactions with others. They are more likely to be just, kind, and honest in their dealings. Their words are filled with wisdom and their behavior is guided by moral principles.

Conversely, a person with a corrupted inner conscience may engage in deceit, injustice, and harmful behavior. Their actions are driven by selfish desires and they may disregard the rights of others. Such individuals may accumulate material wealth but lack the true treasures that bring peace and contentment to the soul.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the cultivation of good inner consciences. It encourages us to focus on developing qualities such as honesty, integrity, and empathy. By doing so, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of having good inner consciences as the best provision in life. It reminds us that true wealth lies in the virtues and qualities that reside within our hearts. By nurturing these treasures, we can attain true nobility in the sight of Allah and lead a life guided by righteousness. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate and maintain good inner consciences.