Hadith #2405

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

طُوبى لِمَنْ أحْسَنَ إلَى العِبادِ وتَزَوَّدَ لِلْمَعادِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Blessed is the one who does good to the servants [of Allah] and prepares provisions for the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and concepts it contains. The word (ahsana) "أحْسَنَ" means to do good or to excel in goodness. It encompasses acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity towards others. The term (al-'ibad) "العِبادِ" refers to the servants of Allah, encompassing all human beings who worship and serve Him. And (tazawwada) "تَزَوَّدَ" means to prepare or provide provisions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of doing good to others and preparing for the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:195)

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your own hands into destruction. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of spending in the way of Allah, which includes acts of charity and kindness towards others. It also warns against wastefulness and self-destruction. By doing good to others, we not only benefit them but also earn the love and pleasure of Allah.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah says, (Quran 18:45)

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse reminds us of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter. Just as rain nourishes the earth and enables vegetation to grow, our good deeds and provisions for the Hereafter nourish our souls and prepare us for the eternal life to come.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of doing good to others and preparing for the Hereafter. By doing good to the servants of Allah, we not only fulfill our duty towards them but also earn blessings and rewards from Allah.

When we engage in acts of kindness, such as helping the needy, comforting the distressed, or forgiving those who have wronged us, we are following the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). These acts of goodness not only benefit others but also purify our hearts and strengthen our relationship with Allah.

Preparing provisions for the Hereafter involves engaging in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and striving to improve our character. It includes performing the obligatory prayers, giving charity, fasting, and performing Hajj, among other acts of worship. It also entails seeking knowledge about our faith, understanding the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and applying them in our lives.

By preparing provisions for the Hereafter, we are investing in our eternal life. Just as we plan for our worldly needs and secure our future, we must also prioritize our spiritual growth and strive to attain the pleasure of Allah. This requires consistent effort, self-discipline, and a sincere desire to seek Allah's pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of doing good to others and preparing provisions for the Hereafter. By following this guidance, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the well-being of society. Let us strive to excel in goodness, be kind and compassionate towards others, and invest in our eternal life. May Allah bless us all with the ability to do good and prepare for the Hereafter.