Hadith #8720

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Destiny comes to pass in accordance with divine decree, contrary to the choice and planning [of the people].

This Hadith highlights the concept of destiny and emphasizes that it is ultimately determined by the divine decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), rather than being influenced by the choices and plans of individuals.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The term (al-qada') "القَضاءُ" refers to the divine decree or destiny, which encompasses everything that happens in the universe. It is a comprehensive term that includes both the good and the bad, the pleasant and the unpleasant, and the successes and failures that we experience in life.

The word (al-maqadir) "المَقاديرِ" refers to the predetermined measures and proportions that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has set for everything in the universe. These measures are established by His infinite wisdom and encompass every aspect of our lives, including our actions, choices, and their consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that destiny is not influenced by the choices and planning of individuals. This means that although we have free will and the ability to make choices, our choices and plans do not alter the ultimate destiny that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has decreed for us. Our decisions and actions are within the scope of our free will, but the ultimate outcome is determined by Allah's divine decree.

This concept of destiny is supported by numerous verses from the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qamar (54:49),

Indeed, all things We created with predestination.

This verse emphasizes that everything in the universe, including our actions and their consequences, is predestined by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports this concept is found in Surah Al-Insan (76:30), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And you do not will except that Allah wills - Lord of the worlds.

This verse highlights that our will and desires are ultimately subject to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and He is the ultimate controller of our destiny.

Understanding this concept of destiny has profound implications for our lives as Muslims. It reminds us to put our trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to accept whatever comes our way, knowing that it is part of His divine plan. It also teaches us humility and helps us recognize that our success or failure is not solely dependent on our own efforts, but ultimately on the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to make wise choices and plans, while recognizing that the ultimate outcome is in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should strive to align our actions with the teachings of Islam and seek guidance from the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can find solace and contentment, knowing that we have fulfilled our responsibilities while surrendering to the divine decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that destiny is determined by the divine decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and it is not influenced by the choices and plans of individuals. This concept is supported by various Quranic verses, which emphasize the predestination of all things. Understanding this concept helps us develop trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), make wise choices, and accept whatever comes our way with humility and contentment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in understanding and implementing this important aspect of our faith.