Hadith #8540

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لَيْسَ كُلُّ مَنْ رَمى يُصيبُ۔

This can be translated as,

Not everyone who shoots hits the target.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ramaa) "رَمى" refers to shooting or throwing something with the intention of hitting a target. It can be understood metaphorically as any action or effort undertaken to achieve a desired outcome. The word (yuseebu) "يُصيبُ" means to hit or reach the target successfully.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:30),

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 fact that not every plan or effort will yield the desired outcome. It is Allah's plan that ultimately prevails.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. 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.

This verse emphasizes that our perception of what is good or bad may not align with Allah's divine wisdom. Our efforts may not always lead to the desired outcome, but Allah's plan is perfect and encompasses the greater good.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that it serves as a reminder of the limitations of human efforts and the need to rely on Allah's guidance and wisdom. It teaches us humility and patience in the face of adversity. We may strive for a particular goal, but success is not guaranteed. It is essential to recognize that our plans are subject to the will of Allah, and His plan may differ from ours.

This Hadith also encourages us to reflect on our intentions and actions. It reminds us to be mindful of our efforts and to ensure that they are aligned with the teachings of Islam. We should strive for righteousness and seek Allah's pleasure in all that we do. Even if our efforts do not yield the desired outcome, our sincerity and adherence to the principles of Islam will be rewarded.

Furthermore, this Hadith teaches us the importance of resilience and perseverance. We should not be disheartened by setbacks or failures. Instead, we should learn from them, reassess our strategies, and continue striving towards our goals. Just as an archer adjusts their aim after missing the target, we should adapt and improve ourselves in the face of challenges.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Not everyone who shoots hits the target,

serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims. It highlights the limitations of human efforts and the need to rely on Allah's plan and guidance. It encourages us to reflect on our intentions and actions, reminding us to strive for righteousness and seek Allah's pleasure. It also teaches us resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges. May Allah grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the lessons from this Hadith in our lives.