Hadith #11062

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

God-given success is the cornerstone of felicity.

This impactful Hadith highlights the importance of divine guidance and assistance in achieving true happiness and prosperity in this world and the hereafter.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The term (tawfiq) "تَوْفِيقُ" refers to the divine assistance, guidance, and enabling that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His servants. It is a manifestation of His mercy and favor, enabling individuals to accomplish righteous deeds and attain success.

The word (ra's) "رَأْسُ" means "the cornerstone" or "the foundation." It signifies the pivotal role that tawfiq plays in the overall structure of felicity and happiness. Just as a cornerstone is essential for the stability and integrity of a building, tawfiq is crucial for the well-being and prosperity of a believer.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse emphasizes that when individuals fear Allah and strive to please Him, He grants them the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, enabling them to make wise decisions. This divine guidance, or tawfiq, helps believers avoid sinful actions and leads them towards righteousness and success.

Another verse that supports the concept of tawfiq is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights that true guidance comes solely from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is not within the power of any human being, including the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), to guide someone unless Allah wills it. This further emphasizes the significance of tawfiq as a divine gift that leads individuals towards the path of righteousness and success.

Now, let us reflect on the profound implications of this Hadith. The statement that

God-given success is the cornerstone of felicity

reminds us that true happiness and prosperity can only be achieved through the guidance and assistance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder that our efforts alone are insufficient without the divine support and favor.

This Hadith encourages us to seek tawfiq from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. Whether it is in our personal relationships, professional endeavors, or spiritual growth, we should constantly seek His guidance and assistance. By doing so, we align ourselves with the divine will and increase our chances of attaining true success and felicity.

Furthermore, this Hadith highlights the humility and recognition of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as he acknowledges that success is ultimately a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Despite his immense knowledge and wisdom, he attributes any success to the divine tawfiq, setting an example for all Muslims to follow.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true success and felicity can only be achieved through the divine guidance and assistance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us of the importance of seeking tawfiq in all aspects of our lives and recognizing that our efforts alone are insufficient without the divine favor. May Allah grant us all His tawfiq and lead us to true success and happiness.