Hadith #8702

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,

اَلاِتِّكالُ عَلَى القَضاءِ أرْوَحُ۔

This can be translated as,

Reliance on [divine] decree is more comforting.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (Al-Ittikal) "اَلاِتِّكالُ" refers to complete reliance, trust, and surrender to Allah's will and decree. It signifies putting our faith in Allah's wisdom and accepting His decisions with contentment and tranquility. It is a state of complete submission and surrender to the divine plan.

The word (Al-Qada) "القَضاءِ" refers to Allah's decree or divine destiny. It encompasses everything that happens in this world, whether it is perceived as good or bad by human beings. It includes both the predestined events and the choices we make within the boundaries of our free will.

To understand the significance of relying on divine decree, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the concept of trust and reliance on Him. In Surah Al-Talaq (65:3), Allah says,

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him.

This verse highlights the assurance and comfort that comes from placing our trust in Allah alone.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says,

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

This verse reminds us that Allah's decree is based on His infinite knowledge and wisdom. He knows our capabilities and burdens us only with what we can handle. Therefore, relying on His decree allows us to find solace in the knowledge that whatever befalls us is within our capacity to endure.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the comforting aspect of relying on divine decree. When we fully trust in Allah's plan, we free ourselves from the anxieties and worries that often accompany the uncertainties of life. We recognize that every trial and tribulation has a purpose and is ultimately for our own growth and development.

For example, if we face a loss or a setback, relying on divine decree helps us accept it as a test from Allah. We understand that there may be hidden blessings or lessons within the situation. This mindset allows us to maintain our composure and seek guidance from Allah to navigate through the challenges.

Moreover, relying on divine decree also instills in us a sense of gratitude and contentment. We acknowledge that Allah's decree is always in our best interest, even if we may not immediately comprehend it. This attitude aligns with the Quranic teaching in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216), where Allah says,

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of relying on divine decree. By surrendering ourselves to Allah's will and accepting His decisions with contentment, we find solace and comfort in the knowledge that Allah's wisdom surpasses our limited understanding. This reliance allows us to navigate through life's challenges with resilience, gratitude, and a deep sense of trust in Allah's plan. May Allah grant us the ability to fully rely on His decree and find comfort in it.