Hadith #257

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,

مَنْ تَذَكَّرَ بُعْدَ السَّفَرِ اسْتَعَدَّ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever keeps in view the distance of the journey remains prepared.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tadhakkar) "تَذَكَّرَ" in this Hadith means to remember or to keep in mind. It implies the act of constantly reminding oneself of something. In this context, it refers to the remembrance of the distance of the journey. The word (b'uda) "بُعْدَ" means distance or separation, and (as-safar) "السَّفَرِ" means journey or travel.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our actions and their consequences in the future.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

The Day He will assemble you for the Day of Assembly - that is the Day of Deprivation. And whoever believes in Allah and does righteousness - He will remove from him his misdeeds and admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment.

This verse highlights the significance of preparing for the Day of Judgment and striving to do good deeds in this world.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The journey mentioned in the Hadith symbolizes our journey in this worldly life towards the hereafter. Just as a traveler prepares for the challenges and uncertainties of a journey, a believer should always be prepared for the challenges and uncertainties of life.

By keeping in view the distance of the journey, one remains aware of the ultimate destination and the purpose of their existence. This awareness serves as a constant reminder to strive for righteousness, to fear Allah, and to be mindful of their actions. It encourages Muslims to reflect on the consequences of their choices and to make decisions that align with the teachings of Islam.

For example, when faced with a moral dilemma, a Muslim who keeps in view the distance of the journey will consider the long-term consequences of their actions. They will strive to choose the path that pleases Allah and leads to eternal success in the hereafter, rather than succumbing to temporary worldly gains.

Furthermore, this Hadith also emphasizes the importance of constantly reminding ourselves of our ultimate goal and purpose in life. Just as a traveler may encounter distractions and obstacles along the way, a believer may face trials and tribulations in their journey towards the hereafter. By keeping the distance of the journey in mind, one remains steadfast in their faith and is better equipped to overcome these challenges.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be constantly mindful of the distance of our journey towards the hereafter. It urges us to remain prepared by striving for righteousness, fearing Allah, and being mindful of our actions. By doing so, we can navigate the challenges of this worldly life and attain success in the eternal life to come. May Allah guide us all on this journey and grant us the strength to remain steadfast.