Hadith #233

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.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

I came to know Allah, the Glorified, through the breaking of determinations, change of intentions and losing of courage.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this hadith and explore its deep significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (faskh) "فَسْخِ", which means "breaking" or "nullifying." It refers to the act of canceling or invalidating something. The second word is (aza'im) "عَزَائِمِ", which can be translated as "determinations" or "resolutions." It signifies firm decisions or commitments that one makes. Finally, the third word is (uqud) "عُقُودِ", which means "covenants" or "contracts." It refers to agreements or promises that are made.

To understand the deeper meaning of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286:

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah knows our capabilities and does not burden us with more than we can handle. Sometimes, our determinations and resolutions may become overwhelming, causing distress and anxiety. In such moments, we may feel the need to break or nullify these determinations to find relief and regain our strength.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 30:

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

This verse highlights the concept of changing intentions. It teaches us that even when others plot against us, Allah's plans are superior. Our intentions may change due to external circumstances, but it is essential to trust in Allah's plan and seek His guidance.

Moreover, the hadith also mentions "losing of courage." In Surah Al-Imran, verse 139, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

So do not lose heart or be grieved, for you will surely prevail if you are believers.

This verse reminds us that losing courage is not a sign of weakness, but rather a test of our faith. It is during these moments of weakness that we can turn to Allah for strength and find solace in His infinite mercy.

Reflecting on this hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) came to know Allah through the breaking of determinations, change of intentions, and losing of courage. By experiencing these challenges, he realized the true power and mercy of Allah. It is through these struggles that we can deepen our connection with Allah and develop a profound understanding of His wisdom and guidance.

As Muslims, we can draw inspiration from this hadith and apply it to our own lives. When faced with overwhelming determinations, we can seek solace in the fact that Allah does not burden us beyond our capabilities. When our intentions change due to external circumstances, we can trust in Allah's plans and seek His guidance. And when we lose courage, we can turn to Allah for strength and find comfort in His infinite mercy.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand His signs and the strength to face the challenges of life. May we always seek His guidance and find solace in His mercy. And may we strive to deepen our knowledge and connection with Allah, following the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).