عُرِفَ اللّهُ سُبْحانَهُ بِفَسْخِ العَزائِمِ، وحَلِّ العُقُودِ وكَشْفِ الضُّرِّ، وَالبَلِيَّةِ عَمَّنْ أخْلَصَ لَهُ النِّيَّةَ۔
Allah is known by the revocation of resolutions, the undoing of binds and the relieving of hardship and affliction from the one whose intention is sincere.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Cognizance)
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.
In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully describes the attributes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that can be recognized through certain actions and qualities. Let us delve into the exegesis of this hadith, exploring the meanings behind the important words and their implications in light of the Quran.
The first word that requires our attention is (faskh) "فَسْخِ", which means the revocation or cancellation of resolutions. This implies that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has the power to nullify any decision or plan that has been made. This attribute highlights His sovereignty and control over all affairs. The Quran affirms this in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 68, where Allah says,
And your Lord creates what He wills and chooses; not for them was the choice.
This verse emphasizes that Allah has the ultimate authority to change or revoke any decision according to His wisdom.
The second word is (uqood) "عُقُودِ", which refers to binds or contracts. It signifies that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has the power to undo any agreement or contract that has been made. This attribute highlights His ability to intervene and alter the course of events. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 54, Allah says,
And they (the disbelievers) plotted, and Allah planned. And Allah is the best of planners.
This verse demonstrates that Allah can nullify the plans of those who oppose the truth and bring about a different outcome.
The third word is (durr) "ضُّرِّ", which means hardship or affliction. It signifies that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has the power to relieve and alleviate the difficulties faced by His sincere servants. This attribute highlights His mercy and compassion towards His creation. In Surah An-Nahl, verse 53, Allah says,
And Allah will not grant to the disbelievers a way [to overcome] the believers.
This verse assures us that Allah will protect and support the believers in times of distress, ultimately relieving them from their hardships.
Finally, the hadith mentions the importance of having a sincere intention (نِّيَّةَ) in order to experience the manifestations of Allah's attributes. This emphasizes the significance of purity of intention in our actions. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of sincerity in worship and obedience to Allah. In Surah Al-Zumar, verse 3, Allah says,
Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion.
This verse reminds us that true devotion and sincerity in our intentions are essential for our actions to be accepted by Allah.
Reflecting on this hadith, we can understand that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the All-Powerful, All-Wise, and All-Merciful. He has the authority to revoke resolutions, undo binds, relieve hardships, and afflictions from those who sincerely turn to Him. This hadith serves as a reminder for us to have pure intentions in all our endeavors, seeking Allah's help and relying on His divine intervention.
As Muslims, we should strive to recognize and appreciate these attributes of Allah, seeking His guidance and mercy in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us the understanding to comprehend His greatness and the sincerity to seek His pleasure.
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