Hadith #4374

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The sustenance of every person is preordained just as the end of his life is predetermined.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the concept of predestination in Islam, emphasizing that every individual's sustenance, or provision, is predetermined by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) just as the length of their life is predetermined.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some important words. The word "rizq" refers to sustenance, encompassing not only material wealth but also spiritual and emotional nourishment. It includes everything that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) provides for His creation to fulfill their needs and lead a balanced life. The word "muqaddar" means preordained or predetermined, indicating that Allah has already decreed and determined the sustenance of every individual.

This concept of predestination is not unique to this Hadith but is also mentioned in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:59),

And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in a clear record.

This verse highlights the comprehensive knowledge and control that Allah possesses over every aspect of creation, including sustenance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hijr (15:21), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register.

This verse reaffirms the fact that Allah is the ultimate provider and sustainer of all living beings. He knows the needs and circumstances of every creature and has already ordained their sustenance accordingly.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should not excessively worry about their sustenance or engage in unethical means to acquire it. Instead, they should have faith in Allah's divine wisdom and trust that He will provide for them in the best possible way. It encourages believers to focus on their actions and intentions, seeking halal means of sustenance while relying on Allah's decree.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of contentment and gratitude. When we understand that our sustenance has already been determined by Allah, we can develop a sense of contentment with what we have been given. We should be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us, whether they are abundant or limited, and avoid comparing ourselves to others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nahl (16:18),

And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us of the transient nature of life. Just as our sustenance is predetermined, so is the length of our life. This understanding should motivate us to make the most of our time in this world, striving to fulfill our purpose and seeking the pleasure of Allah. It should serve as a reminder that our ultimate destination is the Hereafter, where our actions and intentions will be accounted for.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the concept of predestination in Islam, highlighting that every person's sustenance is predetermined by Allah, just as the end of their life is predetermined. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize Allah's comprehensive knowledge and control over all aspects of creation. It encourages believers to have faith, trust in Allah's wisdom, and be content with the provisions they have been given. It also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of utilizing our time wisely. May Allah grant us understanding and enable us to live our lives in accordance with His guidance.