Hadith #11051

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

God-given success is the more honourable of the two shares.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (tawfiq) "تَوْفِيقُ" refers to divine guidance, assistance, and success bestowed upon an individual by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a manifestation of Allah's mercy and favor upon His servants. The word (ashraf) "أشْرَفُ" means more honorable, superior, or nobler. And the word (hazayn) "حَظَّيْنِ" refers to two shares or portions.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can refer to the Quranic verses that emphasize the concept of divine guidance and success. 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 divine intervention and guidance that protected the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) from the plots of the disbelievers. It demonstrates that true success lies in aligning oneself with the plans of Allah, as His plans are ultimately superior and more honorable than any human scheme.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of divine success 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 emphasizes that true guidance and success come solely from Allah. It is not within the power of any individual, no matter how knowledgeable or influential, to guide others. Only Allah, with His infinite wisdom and knowledge, can grant guidance and success to whom He wills.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He is highlighting the superiority and nobility of the success that comes from Allah. Human efforts and plans may seem enticing and promising, but they pale in comparison to the success that is divinely ordained.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, is reminding us that true success lies in seeking Allah's guidance and relying on His divine plan. It is a call to surrender our egos and desires, and to place our trust in the wisdom and mercy of Allah.

When we strive for success solely through our own efforts, we may achieve temporary gains, but they are often fleeting and devoid of true honor. On the other hand, when we seek Allah's guidance and rely on His tawfiq, our success is not only more honorable, but it also brings lasting fulfillment and blessings in this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize seeking Allah's guidance and relying on His divine plan in all aspects of their lives. It encourages us to reflect on our intentions and actions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true success and honor lie in seeking Allah's guidance and relying on His divine plan. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual journey and align our actions with the teachings of the Quran. May Allah grant us the tawfiq to recognize and embrace His guidance, and may He bless us with success in this world and the hereafter.