Hadith #3532

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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

Sometimes you may ask for something but you are not granted it, rather you are given [something] better than it.

This Hadith highlights the wisdom and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in responding to our supplications. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (sa'alta) "سَأَلْتَ" is derived from the root word (sa'ala) "سَأَلَ", which means to ask or request. It implies seeking something from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through supplication or prayer. This word encompasses our desires, needs, and aspirations that we express to our Lord.

The word (tu'taha) "تُعْطَهَ" is derived from the root word (ata) "عَطَى", which means to give or grant. It signifies the act of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestowing upon us what we have asked for. However, the Hadith states that sometimes we may not be granted exactly what we have asked for.

Instead, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that we are given (khayran minhu) "خَيْراً مِنْهُ", which means something better than what we have requested. This phrase emphasizes that Allah's response to our supplications is not limited to fulfilling our specific desires, but rather He grants us what is ultimately better for us, even if we may not realize it at the time.

This profound Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us that He knows what is best for us and responds to our prayers in the most perfect manner. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216),

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse reminds us that our limited understanding may lead us to desire things that are not in our best interest, while Allah's infinite wisdom guides His response to our supplications. He may withhold what we ask for, knowing that it may not be beneficial for us in the long run. Instead, He grants us something better, which may be in the form of protection, guidance, or a different opportunity that aligns with His divine plan for us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ghafir (40:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And your Lord says, 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you.' Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.

This verse assures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to respond to our supplications. However, the fulfillment of our requests is not solely dependent on our desires, but rather on what Allah deems best for us. He may choose to grant us what we ask for, or He may give us something better, as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) has stated in this Hadith.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that our role as Muslims is to trust in Allah's wisdom and accept His response to our supplications, even if it differs from what we have asked for. We must have faith that whatever Allah grants us, whether it aligns with our desires or not, is ultimately for our own good. This Hadith teaches us to be content with Allah's decree and to recognize that His response is always in our best interest.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) responds to our supplications in a manner that is beyond our comprehension. Sometimes, He may not grant us exactly what we ask for, but instead, He blesses us with something better. This Hadith encourages us to have trust and patience in Allah's divine plan, knowing that His response is always in our best interest. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to accept His decree and the ability to recognize the blessings in His response to our supplications.