Hadith #11054

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "التوفيق عناية" which translates to

God-given success is [God’s special attention and] favour.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The word (tawfiq) "توفيق" refers to divine guidance and assistance that enables a person to achieve success. It is a blessing bestowed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) upon His servants, allowing them to make the right choices and attain their goals. This divine tawfiq is not merely a matter of luck or chance, but a result of Allah's special attention and favor towards His creation.

The Quran provides numerous verses that highlight the concept of tawfiq. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (8:123)

And Allah had certainly helped you at [the battle of] Badr when you were weak. So fear Allah; perhaps you will be grateful

This verse illustrates how Allah's tawfiq enabled the Muslims to achieve victory despite their numerical inferiority. It was through His divine assistance that they were able to overcome their weaknesses and emerge triumphant.

Another verse that emphasizes the importance of tawfiq is found in Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (18:10)

And say, 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority'

Here, Prophet Musa (Moses) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) seeks Allah's tawfiq to guide him in his mission and grant him the necessary authority to fulfill his duties.

Now, let us reflect on the thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The Imam reminds us that true success is not solely dependent on our own efforts or abilities. Rather, it is a result of Allah's divine intervention and His special attention towards His servants. This understanding aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of relying on Allah and seeking His guidance in all aspects of our lives.

Imam Ali's statement also serves as a reminder that success is not limited to material achievements or worldly pursuits. Rather, true success lies in attaining the pleasure of Allah and living a life in accordance with His guidance. It is through His tawfiq that we are able to make choices that align with His will and lead us towards eternal success in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, this Hadith highlights the significance of recognizing and acknowledging the role of Allah's favor in our lives. It reminds us to be grateful for the blessings and opportunities that come our way, as they are a manifestation of Allah's special attention towards us. By recognizing that success is a result of Allah's favor, we are humbled and motivated to use our achievements for the betterment of ourselves and others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true success is a result of Allah's tawfiq, which is His special attention and favor towards His servants. It emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah, seeking His guidance, and recognizing His blessings in our lives. May Allah grant us His tawfiq and enable us to achieve success in this world and the Hereafter.