Hadith #4552

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises the believers to take provisions from the days of transience for the everlasting abode. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (tazawwadu) "تَزَوَّدُوا" means to take provisions or to prepare oneself. It implies that we should not be negligent or complacent in our spiritual journey. Just as a traveler prepares provisions for a long journey, we must also prepare ourselves for the journey of the hereafter. This preparation involves acquiring knowledge, performing good deeds, and seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The phrase (min ayyami al-fana) "مِنْ أيّامِ الفَناءِ" refers to the days of transience or the worldly life. It reminds us that this life is temporary and fleeting. We should not become attached to the material possessions and pleasures of this world, but rather focus on preparing for the eternal life in the hereafter.

The word (lil-baqa) "لِلبَقاءِ" means everlasting or eternal. It signifies the eternal abode of the hereafter, where our provisions from this worldly life will determine our state. This emphasizes the importance of investing in our spiritual growth and accumulating good deeds that will benefit us in the everlasting life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states, (faqad duliltum 'ala al-zad)

فَقَدْ دُلِلْتُمْ علَى الزَّادِ

which means

for you have been shown your provision.

This indicates that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has guided us and made us aware of the provisions we need for the journey of the hereafter. It is through the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) that we have been given the knowledge and guidance to prepare ourselves for the eternal life.

The phrase (wa umirtum bil-zha'n) "واُمِرْتُمْ بِالظَّعْنِ" means

and commanded to decamp.

It implies that we have been instructed to leave behind the comforts and distractions of this world and focus on our spiritual journey. Just as a traveler must leave their temporary dwelling and move towards their destination, we are commanded to detach ourselves from worldly attachments and strive towards the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states, (wa huthithtum 'ala al-maseer) "وَحُثِثْتُمْ عَلَى المَسيرِ", which means

and [have been] driven upon the course.

This signifies that we have been urged and motivated to embark on the journey towards the hereafter. The path towards the eternal abode requires effort, determination, and perseverance. We are constantly reminded to stay on the right path and strive for righteousness.

To understand the profound implications of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for further 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 the importance of acquiring Taqwa (God-consciousness) as the best provision for the journey of the hereafter. It is through Taqwa that we can safeguard ourselves from the temptations and distractions of this world.

In Surah Al-Mulk (67:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

Who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.

This verse highlights the purpose of our existence in this world, which is to be tested and to strive towards excellence in our actions. Our provisions for the everlasting abode are determined by our deeds and the sincerity of our intentions.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to prioritize our spiritual growth and prepare ourselves for the eternal life. We should not be deceived by the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world, but rather focus on accumulating good deeds and seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Just as a traveler prepares provisions for a long journey, we must strive to acquire Taqwa, perform righteous deeds, and detach ourselves from worldly attachments. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to heed the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and prepare ourselves for the everlasting abode.