Hadith #1688

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

Anxiety does not ward off destiny, rather it blocks recompense.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its exegesis in light of the Quran.

The word (جَزَعُ) "jaza" in Arabic refers to anxiety, distress, or worry. It is a state of unease and restlessness that arises from fear or uncertainty. The word (يَدْفَعُ) "yadfa'u" means to ward off or repel, while (ٱلْقَدَرَ) "al-qadar" refers to destiny or predestination. (يُحْبِطُ) "Yuhbitu" means to block or hinder, and (ٱلْأَجْرَ) "al-ajr" refers to recompense or reward.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Yunus (10:107),

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good - then He is over all things competent.

This verse emphasizes that it is Allah alone who controls our destiny. No amount of anxiety or distress can change what Allah has decreed for us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 highlights that everything that happens to us, whether it is a calamity or a blessing, is already recorded in the divine decree. Our anxiety and worry cannot alter what has already been determined by Allah.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us a profound lesson about the futility of excessive worry and anxiety. While it is natural for humans to feel concerned about the future and the challenges they may face, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that anxiety does not have the power to change our destiny. It is Allah alone who has complete control over our lives and what is destined for us.

Instead of allowing anxiety to consume us, we should turn to Allah in prayer and seek His guidance and support. We should trust in His wisdom and have faith that whatever He has decreed for us is ultimately for our own benefit, even if we may not understand it at the time. This trust in Allah's plan can bring us peace and tranquility, knowing that He is the best of planners.

Moreover, excessive anxiety can hinder our ability to receive the recompense and rewards that Allah has promised for our good deeds. When we are constantly consumed by worry, our focus shifts away from performing righteous actions and seeking closeness to Allah. It becomes difficult to fully engage in acts of worship and fulfill our responsibilities towards others. As a result, we may miss out on the blessings and rewards that come with sincere and dedicated worship.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to place their trust in Allah and not allow anxiety to overwhelm them. We must remember that our destiny is in the hands of Allah alone, and excessive worry cannot change what has been decreed for us. Instead, we should turn to Allah in prayer, seek His guidance, and strive to perform righteous deeds without being hindered by anxiety. May Allah grant us the strength to trust in His plan and find peace in His remembrance.