Hadith #4554

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:

زادُ المَرْءِ إلَى الآخرَةِ الوَرَعُ، والتُّقى۔

This can be translated into English as:

The provision of a person for the Hereafter is piety and God-wariness.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. (provision) "زادُ" refers to the spiritual provisions that a person accumulates in this worldly life, which will benefit them in the Hereafter. (a person) "المَرْءِ" encompasses all individuals, regardless of their gender, race, or social status. (for the Hereafter) "إلَى الآخرَةِ" indicates that these provisions are specifically for the eternal life after death. (piety) "الوَرَعُ" refers to the state of being cautious and mindful of one's actions, avoiding anything that may lead to disobedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). (God-wariness) "التُّقى۔" is the act of being conscious of Allah's presence and fearing His punishment, which leads to righteous actions and avoidance of sins.

To understand the significance of piety and God-wariness as provisions for the Hereafter, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197):

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

This verse emphasizes that while physical provisions are necessary for our worldly journey, the best provision for the Hereafter is piety. It is through piety that we develop a deep consciousness of Allah's presence and strive to please Him in all aspects of our lives.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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 emphasizes that the true measure of nobility and superiority in the sight of Allah is righteousness. It is not based on one's lineage, wealth, or worldly achievements, but rather on the level of piety and God-wariness that one possesses.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of piety and God-wariness as provisions for the Hereafter. These qualities serve as guiding principles in our daily lives, shaping our actions, intentions, and interactions with others. Piety acts as a shield, protecting us from falling into sinful behavior and ensuring that our actions are in line with the teachings of Islam. God-wariness instills a sense of accountability and consciousness of Allah's presence, motivating us to constantly strive for righteousness and avoid anything that may displease Him.

The consequences of embodying piety and God-wariness are profound. They lead to a life of righteousness, where one's actions are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. This not only benefits the individual in the Hereafter but also has a positive impact on society as a whole. A person who is pious and God-wary is more likely to uphold justice, show compassion, and fulfill their responsibilities towards others. Their actions become a source of inspiration and guidance for those around them, fostering a community that is built upon the principles of righteousness and God-consciousness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating piety and God-wariness in our lives. It is through these qualities that we can truly prepare ourselves for the Hereafter and attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to be mindful of our actions, constantly seeking to improve ourselves and align our lives with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody piety and God-wariness, and may He accept our efforts and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.