Hadith #3447

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of accepting and submitting to the choices and decisions made by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for us. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever does not get reformed by that which Allah has chosen [for him] will not be reformed by what he chooses for himself.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement by analyzing the key words and concepts. The word (salaḥa) "صَلَحَ" in Arabic means to reform, rectify, or set things right. It implies a positive change or improvement in one's character, actions, and overall state. The word (ikhtiyār) "اخْتِيَار" means choice or selection. It refers to the decisions and choices made by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for us, which are based on His infinite wisdom and knowledge.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that if a person does not accept and embrace the choices made by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for them, they will not be able to reform themselves through their own choices. This implies that true reformation and rectification can only be achieved by aligning our will with the divine will and accepting the decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support this concept. In Surah Yunus, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 6:17)

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good - then He is over all things competent.

This verse reminds us that whatever Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) chooses for us, whether it is a trial or a blessing, it is for our own benefit and growth. Therefore, accepting His choices and submitting to His will is crucial for our reformation.

Another verse that supports this concept is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:216)

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse reminds us that our limited understanding may lead us to dislike or reject certain situations or choices made by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). However, in His infinite wisdom, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) knows what is truly beneficial for us, even if we may not fully comprehend it at the time.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for us as Muslims. It urges us to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make. It reminds us that true reformation and rectification can only be achieved by aligning our will with the divine will. By accepting and embracing the choices made by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for us, we open ourselves up to His infinite wisdom and mercy. This acceptance leads to a state of contentment and inner peace, knowing that everything that comes our way is ultimately for our own benefit and growth.

On the other hand, if we resist or reject the choices made by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for us, we may find ourselves in a constant state of struggle and dissatisfaction. Our own choices, driven by our limited understanding and desires, may not lead to true reformation and rectification. Therefore, it is essential for us as Muslims to trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) wisdom and submit to His will, knowing that He knows what is best for us in this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to accept and embrace the choices made by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for us. It emphasizes that true reformation and rectification can only be achieved by aligning our will with the divine will. By doing so, we open ourselves up to the infinite wisdom and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), leading to a state of contentment and inner peace. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to accept His choices and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.