Hadith #277

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he is asked about how Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will hold all of His creation accountable despite their vast numbers. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) responds by drawing a parallel with how Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) provides sustenance to His creation despite their large numbers.

The word (yurzuquhum) "يرزقهم" in the Hadith refers to the act of providing sustenance or livelihood. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the Provider and Sustainer of all beings, regardless of their vast numbers. Just as He provides sustenance to His creation, He will also hold them accountable for their actions.

This concept is beautifully supported by the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:60), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And how many a creature carries not its [own] provision. Allah provides for it and for you. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

This verse emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate Provider, taking care of the sustenance of all creatures, including humans.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) response to the second question further deepens our understanding. He is asked how Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will hold people accountable without them seeing Him. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) answers by drawing another parallel with how Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) provides sustenance to His creation even though they do not see Him.

This concept is beautifully reflected in the Quranic verse in Surah Al-An'am (6:103), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision. And He is the Subtle, the Acquainted.

This verse highlights the fact that although we cannot see Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in this worldly life, He sees and knows everything. Similarly, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will hold people accountable for their actions, even if they do not physically see Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) response in this Hadith carries profound wisdom. It reminds us that just as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) provides sustenance to all beings, He will also hold them accountable for their actions. This understanding should motivate us to be conscious of our actions and strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a reminder that Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) knowledge and power are beyond our comprehension. Just as we cannot physically see Him, we should have faith in His ability to hold us accountable, even if we do not witness it directly. This understanding should instill a sense of awe and humility within us, as we recognize the greatness of our Creator.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides profound insights into the concept of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) accountability and His role as the Provider and Sustainer of all beings. It reminds us of the importance of being mindful of our actions and having faith in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) ability to hold us accountable, even if we do not physically witness it. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to live our lives in accordance with His will.