Hadith #4550

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he addresses the Muslims and reminds them of an important commandment. The key words in this Hadith are (decamp) "ظَعْنِ" and (provision) "زَّادِ".

The word (decamp) "ظَعْنِ" refers to the act of leaving or departing from a place. It signifies the transient nature of this world and the reality that we are all travelers in this journey of life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that we have been commanded to leave this world, to move on to the next life, and to prepare ourselves for the journey ahead.

The word (provision) "زَّادِ" refers to the supplies or provisions that one takes on a journey to sustain oneself. In the context of this Hadith, it represents the worldly possessions and resources that we accumulate during our time in this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to take from this world the provisions that we can hold on to or that will protect us in the future.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20):

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of this world and the deceptive allure it holds. It is a place of fleeting pleasures and distractions, where people engage in competition for wealth and status. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that we should not become too attached to these worldly possessions, as they will not accompany us in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse highlights the importance of focusing on enduring good deeds rather than being preoccupied with worldly possessions. While wealth and children may bring temporary joy and adornment to our lives, it is the righteous actions and deeds that will truly benefit us in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to take from this world only what we can hold on to or that will protect us in the future. This means that we should use our worldly resources wisely, investing in things that will bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and benefit us in the Hereafter. We should not become attached to material possessions, but rather prioritize our spiritual growth and the pursuit of good deeds.

By adhering to the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the guidance of the Quran, we can strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual journey. We should strive to accumulate provisions for the Hereafter, such as knowledge, good deeds, and acts of kindness, while recognizing the temporary nature of this world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true purpose of this life and guide us in making choices that will benefit us in the Hereafter. May we take from this world only what will protect us and help us on our journey towards eternal success. Ameen.