اَلمَعُونَةُ تَنْزِلُ مِنَ اللّهِ عَلى قَدْرِ المَؤُنَةِ۔
Succour descends from Allah to the extent of one’s requirement.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Succor)
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.
The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
المعونة تنزل من الله على قدر المؤنة
which translates to
Succour descends from Allah to the extent of one’s requirement.
Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.
The word (ma'unah) "معونة" refers to assistance, help, or support. It signifies the act of aiding someone in their time of need. This assistance can be physical, emotional, or spiritual. The word (tanzil) "تنزل" means to descend or come down from a higher place. It implies that this succour originates from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and is bestowed upon His servants.
The Hadith emphasizes that the extent of this divine assistance is directly proportional to the individual's requirement or need. This means that Allah's help is not limited or restricted. It is tailor-made for each person, taking into account their unique circumstances and challenges. Allah's mercy and support are boundless, and He provides exactly what is necessary for His servants to overcome their difficulties.
The Quranic verses beautifully corroborate the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 65:2-3)
And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent
These verses highlight that when a person sincerely fears Allah and places their trust in Him, He will facilitate a solution for their problems and provide sustenance from unexpected sources. Allah's help is not limited by human expectations or conventional means. He has complete control over all affairs and can bring about relief and support in miraculous ways.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Talaq, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures the believers, (Quran 65:4)
And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him of his matter ease
This verse reaffirms that those who have a deep reverence for Allah and seek His assistance will find their difficulties eased by His divine intervention. Allah's succour is not only limited to material help but also encompasses emotional and spiritual relief.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that Allah's assistance is always available to us, and it is precisely tailored to our needs. When we face challenges, we should turn to Allah in sincere supplication, seeking His help and guidance. We should trust in His infinite wisdom and mercy, knowing that He will provide us with the necessary support to overcome our difficulties.
This Hadith also teaches us the importance of recognizing our dependency on Allah and seeking His aid. It reminds us that we are not self-sufficient and that our success and well-being ultimately come from Allah alone. By acknowledging our reliance on Him, we humble ourselves and strengthen our connection with our Creator.
Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to be compassionate and supportive towards others. Just as Allah provides succour to us, we should strive to be a source of assistance and comfort for those in need. By extending a helping hand to others, we embody the spirit of this Hadith and fulfill our duty as Muslims.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the boundless mercy and support of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reassures us that Allah's succour descends upon us according to our individual needs. By placing our trust in Allah and seeking His assistance, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. May Allah grant us the understanding and ability to seek His help and be a source of support for others.
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