Hadith #11217

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "التوكل أفضل عمل" which translates to

Trusting in Allah is the best action.

This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words. (At-Tawakkul) "التوكل" refers to placing complete trust and reliance on Allah. It is an act of surrendering our affairs to Him, acknowledging that He is the ultimate source of power and control. (Afdal) "أفضل" means the best or the most excellent. And (Amal) "عمل" refers to action or deed.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of trust and reliance on Him. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 2, Allah says, (Quran 8:2)

Indeed, the believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith, and upon their Lord they rely.

This verse highlights the connection between trust in Allah and increasing faith. When we place our trust in Allah, our hearts become filled with awe and reverence for Him. We become more steadfast in our faith, knowing that He is the ultimate protector and provider. This trust in Allah is not blind faith, but rather a result of reflecting on His verses and recognizing His power and wisdom.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Ash-Shura, verse 36, where Allah says, (Quran 42:30)

And whatever strikes you of disaster - it is for what your hands have earned; but He pardons much.

This verse reminds us that whatever difficulties we face in life are a result of our own actions. However, Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives and pardons much of our wrongdoings. When we trust in Allah, we understand that He is the ultimate judge and that He can turn any hardship into a blessing.

Imam Ali's statement,

Trusting in Allah is the best action,

carries profound implications for our lives as Muslims. It reminds us that our actions alone are not enough to guarantee success. We must couple our actions with complete trust in Allah's plan and His ability to guide us towards what is best for us.

Trusting in Allah does not mean that we sit back and do nothing. Rather, it means that we put in our utmost effort and then leave the outcome to Allah. We strive to fulfill our obligations, seek knowledge, work hard, and make wise decisions, all while recognizing that the ultimate result is in Allah's hands.

When we trust in Allah, we free ourselves from the shackles of worry and anxiety. We understand that Allah is the best of planners and that He will never burden us with more than we can bear. This trust gives us inner peace and tranquility, knowing that Allah is always watching over us and guiding us towards what is best.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam. His statement in this Hadith reflects his profound wisdom and his unwavering trust in Allah. He understood that true success lies in relying on Allah and submitting to His will.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith in our daily lives. We should put our trust in Allah in all matters, whether big or small. We should seek His guidance in making decisions, and trust that He will lead us to what is best for us. By doing so, we will not only attain success in this world but also earn the pleasure and mercy of Allah in the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to trust in Him wholeheartedly and make it the best action of our lives.