Hadith #4375

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

رِزقُ المَرْءِ على قَدْرِ نِيَّتِهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of intention in determining the sustenance of an individual. Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (rizq) "رِزقُ" in Arabic refers to sustenance or provision. It encompasses all the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His creation, including material wealth, knowledge, health, and spiritual well-being. It is important to note that rizq is not limited to financial resources alone, but encompasses all aspects of a person's life.

The word (niyyah) "نِيَّةِ" means intention. It refers to the sincere and conscious decision a person makes before performing an action. Intention is the driving force behind our actions and shapes the outcome and reward of our deeds. It is the purity and sincerity of our intentions that determine the extent of blessings and sustenance we receive from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of intention and its impact on our sustenance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:111)

And they say, 'None will enter Paradise except one who is a Jew or a Christian.' That is [merely] their wishful thinking, say, 'Produce your proof if you should be truthful.'

This verse highlights the importance of intention in matters of faith. Mere affiliation or outward labels are not sufficient for attaining Paradise. It is the sincerity of one's intention and the righteousness of their actions that truly matter in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that sheds light on the significance of intention is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 6:162)

Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of having a sincere intention in all aspects of our lives. Whether it is our prayers, acts of worship, or even our daily activities, if our intention is solely for the sake of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), then our sustenance will be blessed and abundant.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the quantity and quality of our sustenance are directly linked to the purity and sincerity of our intentions. When we perform actions with a sincere intention to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to benefit others, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) blesses us with abundant rizq.

For example, if a person intends to earn wealth solely for the purpose of fulfilling their desires and accumulating material possessions, their sustenance may be limited and accompanied by restlessness and dissatisfaction. However, if a person's intention is to earn wealth to support their family, help the needy, and contribute to the betterment of society, their rizq will not only be abundant but also accompanied by contentment and blessings.

Furthermore, the Hadith encourages us to reflect on the importance of intention in all aspects of our lives. It reminds us that our intentions shape our actions, and our actions determine the consequences and rewards we receive. Therefore, it is crucial for us as Muslims to constantly purify our intentions and align them with the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their intentions in all aspects of life. It teaches us that our sustenance is directly proportional to the purity and sincerity of our intentions. By aligning our intentions with the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His guidance, we can attain abundant blessings and contentment in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to purify our intentions and bless us with abundant rizq.