Hadith #4028

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of two fundamental aspects of a Muslim's life: religion and piety. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to make religion the shield of our lives and piety the preparation for our death.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying. The word (sayyir) "صَيِّرِ" in Arabic means to make or turn something into a particular state or condition. Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to actively and consciously transform our lives in a way that religion becomes the shield that protects us from the harms and temptations of this world. Religion should not be a mere label or a passive aspect of our lives, but rather a guiding force that shapes our thoughts, actions, and decisions.

To understand the significance of religion as a shield, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:208)

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy

This verse highlights the importance of seeking refuge in the teachings of Islam and following the path of righteousness, as it shields us from the whispers and temptations of Satan.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to make piety the preparation for our death. The word (taqwa) "تَّقْوَى" in Arabic refers to God-consciousness, righteousness, and fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of mind and heart that drives a person to avoid sins and strive for righteousness.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of taqwa. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 49:13)

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 (أَتْقَاكُمْ) of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted

This verse reminds us that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, not in worldly possessions or social status.

By making piety the preparation for our death, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to constantly evaluate our actions and intentions, and to strive for a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder that death is inevitable and that we should live our lives in a way that ensures a successful and peaceful transition into the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize religion as a shield in their lives and to make piety the foundation for their actions. By actively incorporating the teachings of Islam into our daily lives and striving for righteousness, we can navigate the challenges of this world and prepare ourselves for the eternal life to come. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement these teachings and guide us on the path of righteousness.