Hadith #8719

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,

نُزُولُ القَدَرِ يُعْمِى البَصَرَ

which translates to

The descending of destiny blinds the sight.

This impactful saying made by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep meaning and can be understood in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (nuzul) "نُزُولُ" in the Hadith refers to the descent or arrival of something. In this context, it signifies the descent of destiny or divine decree. The word (al-qadar) "القَدَرِ" refers to destiny or fate, which is the predetermined plan of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for every individual and every event that occurs in the universe.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 22:11)

And among the people is he who worships Allah on an edge. If he is touched by good, he is reassured by it; but if he is struck by trial, he turns on his face [to the other direction]. He has lost [this] world and the Hereafter. That is what is the manifest loss.

This verse highlights the consequences of being blinded by the descending of destiny. When a person's sight is blinded by the trials and tribulations that befall them, they lose their focus on the true purpose of life and become swayed by the temporary pleasures and hardships of this world. They become attached to the materialistic aspects of life and neglect their spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The descending of destiny can also blind a person's sight in terms of their understanding and perception of reality. In Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 10:15)

And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, those who do not expect the meeting with Us say, 'Bring us a Qur'an other than this or change it.' Say, [O Muhammad], 'It is not for me to change it on my own accord. I only follow what is revealed to me. Indeed I fear, if I should disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous Day.'

This verse highlights how some people, when faced with the truth and the signs of Allah's existence and guidance, reject it and demand for something else. Their sight is blinded by their own desires and arrogance, preventing them from recognizing the truth. They are unable to see the divine wisdom and guidance in the Quran, and instead, they seek to change or reject it.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be aware of the blinding effects of destiny. It urges us to remain steadfast in our faith and to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). We should strive to understand the divine wisdom behind the events that unfold in our lives and trust in Allah's plan, even when faced with difficulties and challenges.

Furthermore, this Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his statement highlights the significance of having a clear and enlightened vision. By seeking knowledge and understanding, we can protect ourselves from being blinded by the descending of destiny and gain insight into the true purpose of our existence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

The descending of destiny blinds the sight

serves as a reminder for Muslims to be aware of the blinding effects of destiny and to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It urges us to remain steadfast in our faith, seek knowledge, and trust in Allah's plan, even in the face of trials and tribulations. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to navigate through the challenges of life and to always keep our sight focused on the path of righteousness.