Hadith #6568

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to prepare ourselves for the journey of life, to focus on the path of salvation, and to embark on this journey with determination and perseverance. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Prepare for your journey.

The word (tayassar) "تَيَسَّرْ" means to make something easy or facilitate it. Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising us to make our journey through life easier by preparing ourselves in every aspect - physically, mentally, and spiritually. This preparation involves acquiring knowledge, developing skills, and cultivating good character traits. It also includes seeking forgiveness for our sins and purifying our hearts through sincere repentance.

The Quran supports this notion of preparation in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).

This verse emphasizes the importance of preparing for the journey of Hajj, but it can be applied to the journey of life as well. The best provision we can take with us is piety, which encompasses righteousness, mindfulness of Allah, and adherence to His commands.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Keep your gaze on the flash of salvation.

The phrase (shim barqan-najah) "شِمْ بَرْقَ النَّجاةِ" refers to the flash or spark of salvation. It signifies the divine guidance and enlightenment that leads us towards salvation. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising us to keep our focus on this flash of salvation, to constantly seek guidance from Allah, and to follow the path that leads to eternal success.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the believers as those who (Surah Al-A'raf 7:157)

follow the light which has been sent down with him (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

This light is the guidance of Allah, which illuminates the path of righteousness and leads to salvation. By keeping our gaze on this divine light, we can navigate through the challenges of life and stay on the right course.

The third part of the Hadith states,

Travel on swift [and girded] mounts [of good deeds].

The phrase (warhal mataaya at-tashmeer) "وارْحَلْ مَطاياَ التَّشْمير" refers to riding on swift and girded mounts. It symbolizes the importance of performing good deeds with speed and determination. Just as a traveler rides swiftly on a well-prepared mount, we should engage in acts of righteousness with enthusiasm and commitment.

The Quran encourages us to hasten towards good deeds. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:148), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So race to [all that is] good.

This verse emphasizes the urgency and eagerness with which we should strive to do good. By traveling on the swift mounts of good deeds, we can make the most of our time in this world and accumulate a wealth of rewards for the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound advice in this Hadith urges us to prepare ourselves for the journey of life, keep our focus on the path of salvation, and engage in good deeds with determination and swiftness. By following this guidance, we can navigate through the challenges of life, stay on the right path, and strive towards eternal success.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to internalize the wisdom of this Hadith and implement it in our lives. May He make our journey through life easy, guide us towards salvation, and enable us to perform good deeds with sincerity and enthusiasm. Ameen.