Hadith #4382

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.

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

لَمْ يَفُتْ نَفْساً ما قُدِّرَ لَها مِنَ الرِّزقِ۔

This can be translated as,

That sustenance which has been decreed for a soul shall not escape it.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of predestination and divine decree. The word (nafs) "نَفْسًا" refers to a soul or an individual, and (rizq) "رِزْقٍ" means sustenance or provision. The word (quddira) "قُدِّرَ" signifies the divine decree or determination of something.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:59),

And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in a clear record.

This verse emphasizes the comprehensive knowledge and control that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) possesses over everything, including sustenance. Every provision, whether it be material or spiritual, is under His complete authority. Nothing can escape His knowledge and decree.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hijr (15:21), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register.

This verse reaffirms that every living being, from the smallest to the greatest, is dependent on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for sustenance. He is the Provider and Sustainer of all creation, and He has determined the measure and distribution of sustenance for each individual.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith sheds light on the fact that the sustenance allocated to each person is fixed and will not be missed or lost. This does not imply that one should be complacent or idle, expecting sustenance to come without effort. Rather, it serves as a reminder that one's sustenance is predetermined by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and one should strive to seek it through lawful means while placing trust in Him.

This Hadith also carries profound implications for our understanding of life's challenges and hardships. It reminds us that whatever sustenance we are destined to receive will reach us, regardless of the obstacles we face. This knowledge should provide solace and reassurance during difficult times, as we trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) wisdom and plan for us.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on our relationship with sustenance. It reminds us to be grateful for the provisions we have been blessed with and to use them in a manner that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It also serves as a reminder to avoid envy or coveting the sustenance of others, as each person's provision is divinely ordained.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the sustenance decreed for each individual will never escape them. It emphasizes the concept of divine decree and highlights the comprehensive knowledge and control of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over all aspects of our lives. This Hadith encourages us to trust in Allah's plan, strive for sustenance through lawful means, and be grateful for the provisions we receive. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us understanding and contentment in all matters of sustenance.