Hadith #344

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) provides us with a deep insight into the concept of livelihood and sustenance. He states that livelihood is of two types: the livelihood that we actively seek and the livelihood that seeks us. This distinction is crucial in understanding the dynamics of sustenance in our lives.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to become overly anxious and burdened by worrying about our future sustenance. He emphasizes that if we are unable to attain what we seek, it will come to us in due time. This reminds us of the verse in the Quran where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 11:6)

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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us not to allow the worries of one day to consume us for an entire year. This highlights the importance of living in the present moment and trusting in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) divine plan. We should focus on the blessings and provisions we have been granted each day, rather than being preoccupied with what may or may not come in the future. This aligns with the Quranic verse, (Quran 65:3)

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) assures us that if we have a whole year of our lives, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will provide for us each day what He has destined for us. This highlights the infinite wisdom and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in His distribution of sustenance. We should have complete trust in His divine plan and know that He will provide for us in the most perfect and timely manner. As the Quran states, (Quran 11:6)

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.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that if we do not have a year in our lives, there is no need to worry about what is not meant for us. This serves as a reminder to accept our circumstances and be content with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has decreed for us. We should not be consumed by the worries and anxieties of what we do not possess, but rather focus on utilizing and appreciating what we do have. This aligns with the Quranic verse, (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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by assuring us that no one will attain our livelihood before us, overpower us in matters of sustenance, or delay what has been destined for us. This highlights the justice and fairness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in His distribution of sustenance. We should not be envious or resentful towards others, but rather trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) divine plan for each individual. As the Quran states, (Quran 53:39)

And there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives. And that his effort is going to be seen.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with profound guidance on the concept of livelihood and sustenance. It teaches us to trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) divine plan, live in the present moment, and be content with what we have been granted. We should not allow worries and anxieties to consume us, but rather have faith that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will provide for us in the most perfect and timely manner. May we all strive to implement these teachings in our lives and find peace and contentment in the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).