مَنِ اسْتَعانَ بِاللّهِ أعانَهُ۔
One who seeks assistance from Allah is assisted by Him.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Seeking Assistance)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure family, his noble companions, and all those who follow in their righteous footsteps.
The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
Mani ista'ana billahi a'anaahu.
This can be translated as,
One who seeks assistance from Allah is assisted by Him.
In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of turning to Allah for help and support in all aspects of our lives.
Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its significance. The word "ista'ana" comes from the root word "a'ana," which means to seek aid, support, or assistance. By using this word, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the act of actively seeking help from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It implies that we should not rely solely on our own abilities, but rather acknowledge our dependence on the Almighty.
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to seek His assistance in numerous verses of the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:45), Allah says,
And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's assistance through patience and prayer. It reminds us that relying on our own strength alone may lead to difficulties and challenges. However, when we turn to Allah with humility and seek His help, He will guide us and grant us the strength to overcome any obstacles we may face.
Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69), where Allah says,
And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.
This verse assures us that those who strive and seek assistance from Allah will be guided by Him. When we sincerely seek His help and put in the effort to follow His commands, Allah will bless us with His guidance and support. This guidance can manifest in various forms, such as increased knowledge, wisdom, and clarity in decision-making.
Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. By emphasizing the act of seeking assistance from Allah, he reminds us of our inherent limitations as human beings. We are finite creatures with limited knowledge, abilities, and resources. Therefore, it is essential for us to acknowledge our dependence on the infinite power and wisdom of Allah.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to turn to Allah in times of need, whether it be for guidance, strength, or protection. By seeking His assistance, we demonstrate our trust in His divine plan and our recognition of His sovereignty over all affairs. This act of seeking assistance from Allah is an expression of humility and submission, which are fundamental qualities of a true believer.
Moreover, when we seek assistance from Allah, we open ourselves up to His mercy and blessings. Allah is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, and He knows what is best for us. By seeking His help, we align ourselves with His divine will and invite His divine intervention in our lives.
The consequences of seeking assistance from Allah are profound. When we rely on our own limited abilities, we may find ourselves overwhelmed, confused, or misguided. However, when we seek Allah's assistance, we tap into His infinite knowledge and wisdom. He guides us towards the right path, grants us clarity in decision-making, and blesses us with His divine support.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking assistance from Allah in all aspects of our lives. By actively turning to Him for help, we acknowledge our dependence on His infinite power and wisdom. Through numerous Quranic verses, Allah encourages us to seek His assistance and promises to guide and support those who sincerely seek His help. May we always remember to seek assistance from Allah and may He grant us His divine support in all our endeavors.
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