Hadith #11057

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

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

التَّوْفِيقُ (الرِّفْقُ) مِفْتاحُ الرِّفْقِ۔

This can be translated as,

God-given success (or kindness) is the key to sustenance.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (tawfiq) "تَوْفِيق" refers to divine guidance and assistance, which enables a person to achieve success and prosperity. It is a blessing bestowed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) upon His servants. The word (rifq) "رِّفْق" can be translated as kindness, gentleness, or compassion. It encompasses a gentle and considerate approach towards others, reflecting empathy and understanding.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights the importance of fearing Allah and seeking His guidance. When we strive to please Him and follow His commands, He bestows upon us the divine assistance and success (تَوْفِيق) we need to navigate through life's challenges.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of kindness and compassion in our interactions with others. He says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse encourages us to treat one another with kindness and to resolve conflicts with a gentle approach (رِّفْق). By doing so, we not only foster unity and harmony within the Muslim community but also earn the mercy and blessings of Allah.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we can understand that God-given success (تَوْفِيق) is intricately linked to kindness and compassion (رِّفْق). When we embody these qualities in our interactions with others, we create an environment of love, understanding, and support. This, in turn, opens doors of sustenance and prosperity for us.

By practicing kindness and compassion, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society. Our relationships become stronger, conflicts are resolved peacefully, and a spirit of unity prevails. This Hadith reminds us that success is not merely measured by material wealth or achievements, but by the quality of our character and the impact we have on those around us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified the teachings of the Quran in his own life. His interactions with people were characterized by kindness, empathy, and compassion. He understood that true success lies in nurturing relationships, fostering unity, and showing mercy to others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that God-given success (تَوْفِيق) is the key to sustenance, and this success is attained through kindness and compassion (رِّفْق). By embodying these qualities in our daily lives, we not only please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also create a positive impact on our own well-being and the well-being of those around us. May Allah grant us the ability to practice kindness and compassion in all aspects of our lives.