Hadith #3526

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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 highlights the relationship between the kindness and wisdom of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). He states that the kindness of Allah does not negate or contradict His wisdom. This means that although Allah is kind and merciful, His actions and decisions are always based on His perfect wisdom and knowledge.

The word "karim" in the hadith refers to the kindness and generosity of Allah. It signifies His benevolence, mercy, and favor towards His creation. The word "yanqudu" means to annul or invalidate, while "hikmah" refers to wisdom. This implies that Allah's kindness does not cancel out or undermine His wisdom in any way.

To further understand the meaning of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216: (Quran 2:216)

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse emphasizes that sometimes what we desire or ask for may not be in our best interest, even though we may think otherwise. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, knows what is truly beneficial for us, even if it may not align with our immediate desires or wishes. Therefore, not all supplications are answered because Allah, in His wisdom, may choose to withhold or delay the response for our own ultimate benefit.

Another verse that supports the concept mentioned in the hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216: (Quran 6:133)

And your Lord is the Free of need, the possessor of mercy. If He wills, He can do away with you and give succession after you to whomever He wills, just as He produced you from the descendants of another people.

This verse reminds us that Allah is not in need of our supplications or worship. He is the All-Merciful and All-Powerful, capable of fulfilling our every need. However, His decisions are not solely based on our requests, but rather on His divine wisdom and knowledge. He may choose to answer some supplications, while others may be delayed or unanswered due to His greater plan and wisdom.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to trust in the wisdom of Allah, even when our prayers seem unanswered. It is a call to have faith in His divine plan and to recognize that His decisions are always based on what is best for us, both in this world and the hereafter.

This hadith also teaches us humility and submission to the will of Allah. We may not always understand the wisdom behind His actions, but we must trust that He knows what is best for us. It encourages us to have patience and to continue supplicating to Allah, knowing that He hears our prayers and will respond in the most appropriate manner and at the most opportune time.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that Allah's kindness and mercy are always in harmony with His wisdom. Not all supplications are answered because Allah, in His infinite wisdom, knows what is truly beneficial for us. It is a call for us to trust in His plan, have patience, and continue to supplicate to Him with sincerity and humility. May Allah guide us to understand His wisdom and grant us the ability to accept His decisions with grace and gratitude.