Hadith #4403

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder to all Muslims about the limitations of our control over certain aspects of our lives. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (sabiq) "سابِق", which means to overtake or surpass. In this context, it refers to the inability of an individual to surpass or overcome their appointed time of death. This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-An'am, verse 2, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

It is Allah who takes away the souls at the time of their death, and those that do not die during their sleep. He keeps those for which He has decreed death and releases the others for a specified term.

This verse emphasizes the predetermined nature of our lifespan and the fact that we cannot extend it beyond what Allah has ordained.

The second word of importance is (marzooq) "مَرْزُوقِ", which refers to sustenance or provision. It highlights the fact that we cannot acquire sustenance that is not decreed for us by Allah. This concept is beautifully illustrated in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 82, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when the word befalls them, We will bring forth for them a creature from the earth speaking to them, [saying] that the people were, of Our verses, not certain [in faith].

This verse reminds us that Allah is the ultimate provider and that our sustenance is solely in His hands. We cannot acquire what is not destined for us, no matter how hard we strive.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question, (Fali-matha tushqi nafsaka ya shaqiyya?)

فَلِمَا ذا تُشْقي نَفْسَكَ يا شَقِيُّ۔

serves as a rhetorical question, highlighting the futility of making oneself miserable by striving for what is beyond our control. This question echoes the teachings of the Quran in Surah Al-Isra, verse 84, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say, 'My Lord, let me land at a blessed landing place, and You are the best to accommodate [us].'

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that we should focus on what is within our control, such as our actions and intentions, rather than obsessing over matters that are beyond our reach. By accepting the limitations of our mortality and the predetermined nature of our sustenance, we can find peace and contentment in submitting to the will of Allah.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their sect, to trust in Allah's divine plan and to strive for righteousness within the boundaries set by Him. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and intentions, ensuring that we are not wasting our energy and causing unnecessary misery by pursuing what is beyond our control.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the limitations of our control over our lifespan and sustenance. It urges us to focus on what is within our control and to trust in Allah's divine plan. By doing so, we can find peace and contentment in submitting to His will. May Allah guide us all to the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt.