Hadith #4381

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 of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us by saying,

That which has been apportioned for you will never escape you so be moderate in what you seek.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deep meaning in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (apportioned) "قُسِمَ" and (seek) "طَلَبِ". The word "قُسِمَ" comes from the root word "قَسَمَ" which means to divide or distribute. Here, it refers to the divine decree and allocation of provisions for each individual. The word "طَلَبِ" comes from the root word "طَلَبَ" which means to seek or pursue. It signifies our efforts and desires in acquiring what we desire in this world.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qamar (54:49),

Indeed, all things We created with predestination.

This verse highlights the concept of divine decree and emphasizes that everything in this world has been predestined by Allah. Therefore, whatever has been apportioned for us will inevitably come to us, and whatever is not meant for us will never reach us, regardless of our efforts.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah says,

And We have made some of you [people] as trial for others - will you have patience? And ever is your Lord, Seeing.

This verse reminds us that Allah tests us through the blessings and trials He bestows upon us. Our sustenance and provisions are part of this test. Therefore, it is important for us to be moderate in our pursuits and not become consumed by materialistic desires. We should seek what is necessary and beneficial for us, while being content with what Allah has already apportioned for us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith encourages us to adopt a balanced approach in our pursuit of worldly matters. It reminds us that excessive attachment to material possessions and relentless pursuit of wealth can lead to discontentment, greed, and ultimately, dissatisfaction in this life and the hereafter.

By being moderate in our seeking, we can avoid falling into the trap of constantly chasing after worldly desires. Instead, we should focus on seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for spiritual growth. This does not mean that we should not work hard or strive for success in our endeavors. Rather, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective and recognizing that true success lies in aligning our pursuits with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wisdom in this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. When we become excessively attached to worldly possessions, we may neglect our spiritual well-being and the pursuit of righteousness. This can lead to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, as we realize that material possessions alone cannot bring true fulfillment.

On the other hand, when we adopt a moderate approach in our seeking, we prioritize our spiritual growth and seek contentment in the blessings that Allah has already bestowed upon us. This leads to a sense of gratitude, tranquility, and inner peace. We become more focused on fulfilling our duties towards Allah and His creation, rather than being consumed by worldly desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of being moderate in our pursuits and seeking. It reminds us that whatever has been apportioned for us will come to us, and excessive attachment to worldly possessions can lead to discontentment. By adopting a balanced approach and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we can find true fulfillment and inner peace. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.