Hadith #9925

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إحْذَرْ قِلَّةَ الزّادِ، وأكْثِرْ مِنَ الاِسْتِعْدادِ لِرِحْلَتِكَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of being cautious about having insufficient provisions and encourages us to increase our preparations for our departure.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. "قِلَّةَ الزّادِ" refers to having a shortage or insufficiency of provisions. The word "اِسْتِعْدادِ" means preparations or readiness. And "رِحْلَتِكَ" signifies the journey or departure.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of preparation and provision in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the significance of both physical and spiritual preparation for any journey or endeavor.

Similarly, in Surah At-Tawbah (9:91), Allah advises the believers,

There is not upon the weak or upon the ill or upon those who do not find anything to spend any discomfort when they are sincere to Allah and His Messenger. There is not upon the doers of good any cause [for blame]. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse teaches us that Allah is compassionate towards those who are unable to provide for themselves, but it also reminds us of the importance of making sincere efforts to prepare for our journey.

Now, let us reflect on the deeper meaning of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words. The journey mentioned in the Hadith is not merely a physical journey, but also a metaphorical one, representing our journey in this world towards the hereafter. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising us to be cautious of having insufficient provisions for this journey.

Insufficient provisions can refer to various aspects of our lives. It can include our material possessions, such as wealth and resources, which are necessary for our sustenance and well-being. It can also encompass our knowledge and understanding of Islam, which serves as a guide for our spiritual journey. Moreover, it extends to our moral and ethical values, which are essential for navigating the challenges and trials of life.

By urging us to increase our preparations, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of being well-equipped for the journey of life. This entails acquiring knowledge, seeking wisdom, and cultivating good character. Just as we diligently prepare for a physical journey by gathering the necessary supplies, we must also prioritize our spiritual and intellectual growth to ensure a successful journey towards the hereafter.

The consequences of neglecting this advice can be detrimental. Without sufficient provisions, we may find ourselves ill-prepared to face the trials and tribulations that come our way. We may struggle to make sound decisions, fall into sinful behavior, and lose sight of our ultimate purpose in life. However, by heeding Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words, we can equip ourselves with the necessary tools to navigate through life's challenges with wisdom, righteousness, and resilience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of having insufficient provisions and to increase their preparations for the journey of life. It urges us to acquire knowledge, seek wisdom, and cultivate good character to ensure a successful and fulfilling journey towards the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to heed this advice and may He bless us with abundant provisions for both our worldly and spiritual journeys.