Hadith #8717

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

نِعْمَ الطّارِدُ لِلْهَمِّ اَلاِتِّكالُ عَلَى القَدَرِ۔

This can be translated as,

The best expeller of distress is reliance on divine decree.

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

The word (taarid) "طارِدُ" refers to someone or something that expels or drives away. In this context, it signifies the act of removing distress or anxiety. The word (hamm) "هَمِّ" refers to worries, concerns, or distress. It encompasses the mental and emotional burdens that we often face in life. The word (al-ittiqal) "اَلاِتِّكالُ" means reliance or dependence. It implies putting one's trust and confidence in someone or something. Lastly, (al-qadar) "القَدَرِ" refers to divine decree or destiny, which encompasses everything that happens in this world.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of relying on divine decree. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah At-Talaq (65:3),

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

This verse highlights the power and sufficiency of relying on Allah alone. When we trust in His decree, we acknowledge that He is the ultimate controller of our affairs and that He will provide for us in the best possible way.

Furthermore, in Surah Az-Zumar (39:62), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is, over all things, Disposer of affairs.

This verse reminds us that Allah is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He has complete control over all matters, and nothing happens without His knowledge and permission. Therefore, relying on His divine decree is not only a source of comfort but also a recognition of His infinite wisdom and power.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. When we face distress or anxiety, our natural inclination is to worry and become consumed by our concerns. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best way to alleviate this distress is by relying on divine decree. By placing our trust in Allah and accepting His will, we free ourselves from the burden of worry and anxiety.

When we rely on divine decree, we recognize that everything that happens in our lives is part of Allah's plan. We understand that He is the best of planners and that He knows what is best for us, even if we cannot comprehend it at the moment. This reliance on Allah's decree brings us peace and tranquility, knowing that He is in control and will guide us through any difficulty we may face.

Moreover, relying on divine decree does not mean being passive or complacent. It does not imply that we should sit back and do nothing. Rather, it motivates us to take action while trusting in Allah's guidance and wisdom. We strive to make the best decisions and exert our efforts, but we also understand that the ultimate outcome is in Allah's hands. This reliance on divine decree empowers us to face challenges with patience, perseverance, and a positive mindset.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson of relying on divine decree as the best expeller of distress. By trusting in Allah's plan and accepting His will, we free ourselves from the burden of worry and anxiety. This reliance brings us peace, motivates us to take action, and strengthens our connection with our Creator. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to rely on His divine decree in all aspects of our lives.