Hadith #8704

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

آفَةُ المَجْدِ عَوائِقُ القَضاءِ۔

This is translated into English as:

The impediments of divine decree are the bane of eminence.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (afaatu) "آفَةُ" refers to a calamity, affliction, or a destructive element. (al-majd) "المَجْدِ" means eminence, glory, or honor. And (awa'iq) "عَوائِقُ" signifies obstacles, hindrances, or barriers. Lastly, (al-qada') "القَضاءِ" refers to divine decree or destiny.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:22):

No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allah, is easy.

This verse emphasizes the concept of divine decree, highlighting that every calamity or affliction that befalls us is already recorded by Allah before it occurs.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qamar (54:49), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Indeed, all things We created with predestination.

This verse reinforces the idea that everything in this universe, including our trials and tribulations, is part of Allah's divine plan and has been predestined.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The phrase

The impediments of divine decree are the bane of eminence

implies that the obstacles or hindrances we encounter in life can hinder our path to greatness and honor. These impediments can manifest in various forms, such as personal challenges, societal barriers, or external circumstances beyond our control.

However, it is crucial to remember that these impediments are part of Allah's divine decree. They are not meant to break us or diminish our potential, but rather to test our faith, patience, and resilience. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) tests His servants in different ways to purify their souls, strengthen their character, and elevate their status.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse reminds us that trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of life, and it is through patience and steadfastness that we can overcome them and attain eminence in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to embrace the challenges they face and view them as opportunities for growth and spiritual development. Instead of being disheartened by the obstacles in our path, we should strive to overcome them with unwavering faith, determination, and trust in Allah's divine plan.

By recognizing that every trial is a part of Allah's decree, we can find solace and strength in the knowledge that He is the All-Wise and All-Knowing. We should seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt to navigate through the challenges of life and emerge stronger and more virtuous individuals.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that the impediments we face in life are not meant to deter us from our path to eminence. Rather, they are opportunities for us to demonstrate our faith, patience, and perseverance. By embracing these challenges and relying on Allah's guidance, we can overcome the obstacles and attain true honor and greatness in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to face the trials of life with patience and steadfastness.