Hadith #11135

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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, "التَّقْوى ذَخِيرَةُ مَعاد۔" This can be translated as,

God-wariness is the reserve for the place of return [in the Hereafter].

To delve into the meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words and their significance.

The term (taqwa) "تَقْوَى" is often translated as "God-wariness" or "piety." It encompasses the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the consciousness of His presence in all aspects of life. Taqwa is not merely the observance of rituals, but a comprehensive state of mind and heart that guides one's actions towards righteousness.

The word (dakhira) "ذَخِيرَة" means "reserve" or "provision." In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the spiritual provision that one accumulates in this worldly life, which will serve as a reserve for the Hereafter. It implies that taqwa is not only a means of attaining success in the Hereafter, but also a source of strength and sustenance in this world.

To further understand the significance of taqwa as the reserve for the place of return, let us 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 taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes that while physical provisions are necessary for our worldly journey, the ultimate provision that truly matters is taqwa. It is the key to success in both worlds.

Additionally, 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 highlights that the measure of nobility and superiority in the sight of Allah is not based on lineage or wealth, but on taqwa. It is the criterion by which individuals are elevated in the sight of their Creator.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of cultivating taqwa as a reserve for the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that our actions in this world have consequences and will determine our ultimate destination. Just as we prepare for a journey by gathering provisions, we must accumulate taqwa as our spiritual provision for the journey towards the Hereafter.

Taqwa acts as a shield against sins and temptations, guiding us towards righteousness and protecting us from the pitfalls of this worldly life. It motivates us to fulfill our obligations towards Allah and His creation, leading to a life of justice, compassion, and humility. The more we strive to increase our taqwa, the stronger our reserve becomes, ensuring a secure place of return in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, taqwa is not limited to individual piety, but also extends to societal well-being. It encourages Muslims to establish a just and equitable society, where the rights of all individuals are respected and protected. It motivates us to work towards social justice, eradicate oppression, and promote harmony among people of different backgrounds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of taqwa as the reserve for the place of return in the Hereafter. It reminds us that our actions in this world have consequences and that cultivating taqwa is essential for our spiritual well-being. By accumulating taqwa, we strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and ensure a secure place of return in the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to increase our taqwa and attain success in both worlds.