Hadith #11142

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,

إنَّكُمْ إلى أزْوادِالتَّقْوى أحْوَجُ مِنْكُمْ إلى أزْوادِ الدُّنْيا۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the provisions of God-wariness (taqwa) over the provisions of this worldly life.

Let us first understand the key words in this Hadith. "أزْوادِ" refers to provisions or supplies, and "التَّقْوى" refers to God-wariness or piety. The word "أحْوَجُ" means greater need or more necessary. Finally, "الدُّنْيا" refers to the worldly life.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

Take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights that the ultimate provision for our journey in this world is taqwa, which is the consciousness of Allah's presence and obedience to His commands.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:111), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and are killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur'an. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment.

This verse emphasizes the value of sacrificing worldly possessions and even one's life in the cause of Allah, as the reward of Paradise is far greater.

From these Quranic verses, we can understand that the provisions of taqwa are of utmost importance for a Muslim. Taqwa is not only the key to success in the Hereafter but also a means of attaining blessings and guidance in this worldly life. It is a provision that nourishes our souls, protects us from sin, and enables us to make righteous choices.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and piety, reminds us that the provisions of taqwa are more essential than the provisions of this world. This Hadith encourages us to prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with Allah over the pursuit of material possessions and worldly desires.

By prioritizing taqwa, we develop a strong sense of self-discipline, self-control, and consciousness of Allah's presence in our lives. This leads to a virtuous cycle where our actions are aligned with the teachings of Islam, and we strive to please Allah in all aspects of our lives.

When we prioritize taqwa, we become more mindful of our actions, words, and intentions. We seek knowledge and understanding of our religion, and we strive to implement it in our daily lives. This consciousness of Allah's presence helps us navigate the challenges and temptations of this world with wisdom and righteousness.

Moreover, prioritizing taqwa over worldly provisions has profound consequences for our spiritual and emotional well-being. It protects us from the negative influences of materialism, greed, and excessive attachment to worldly possessions. Instead, we find contentment and peace in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of His pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the provisions of taqwa are more crucial than the provisions of this world. By prioritizing taqwa, we attain spiritual growth, guidance, and protection from sin. It enables us to make righteous choices and find contentment in the remembrance of Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize taqwa in our lives.