Hadith #11060

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "التَّوْفِيقُ أوَّلُ النِّعْمَةِ", which translates to

God-given success is the beginning of [many] blessings.

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

The word (tawfiq) "تَوْفِيقُ" refers to divine guidance and assistance that enables a person to achieve success and righteousness. It is a blessing bestowed upon individuals by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to help them make the right choices and attain favorable outcomes. This divine guidance is the foundation upon which all other blessings are built.

The word (ni'mah) "نِعْمَةِ" means blessings or favors. It encompasses all the goodness and favors that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His creation. These blessings can be both material and spiritual, including health, wealth, knowledge, guidance, and inner peace.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [remember] when the disbelievers 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 importance of divine guidance and assistance in overcoming challenges and achieving success. Despite the plots of the disbelievers, Allah's plan prevailed, and the believers were granted victory.

Another verse that emphasizes the concept of tawfiq is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah alone. It is not within the power of any human being to guide others unless Allah grants them tawfiq.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The statement

God-given success is the beginning of [many] blessings

highlights the pivotal role of divine guidance in attaining success and the subsequent blessings that follow. When Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows His tawfiq upon an individual, it becomes the catalyst for a chain reaction of blessings.

For example, imagine a person who seeks knowledge and is granted success in their studies. This success opens doors for further opportunities, such as acquiring a good job, contributing positively to society, and benefiting others with their knowledge. The initial success becomes the foundation upon which numerous blessings are built.

Similarly, when a person strives to fulfill their religious obligations and is granted tawfiq by Allah, it leads to a multitude of blessings. They may experience an increased sense of spirituality, a deeper connection with Allah, and a greater understanding of the Quran and Sunnah. This success in their spiritual journey becomes the gateway to further blessings, such as inner peace, contentment, and the ability to navigate life's challenges with resilience and faith.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the profound truth that God-given success is the beginning of many blessings. It emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and relying on His tawfiq in all aspects of our lives. By recognizing the pivotal role of divine assistance, we can strive for success in both worldly and spiritual endeavors, knowing that it is the key to unlocking a multitude of blessings. May Allah grant us all His tawfiq and shower us with His abundant blessings.