Hadith #8706

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When divine decree comes, the plans [of people] are nullified.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (maqādir) "مَقَادِيرُ" refers to divine decree or predestination. It signifies the predetermined events and circumstances that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has ordained for His creation. The word (tadābīr) "تَدَابِيرُ" refers to the plans and strategies that individuals make to achieve their desired outcomes.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, which provides numerous verses that highlight the concept of divine decree and its impact on human plans. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:68),

And your Lord creates what He wills and chooses; not for them was the choice. Exalted is Allah and high above what they associate with Him.

This verse emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate creator and controller of all things. He has the power to determine and shape the course of events according to His divine wisdom. Therefore, when divine decree comes into play, it supersedes and nullifies the plans and strategies of individuals.

Another verse that sheds light on this concept is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:30), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

This verse demonstrates that while people may devise intricate plans to achieve their objectives, Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) plan always prevails. He is the ultimate planner, and His divine decree supersedes any human endeavor. This serves as a reminder for Muslims to put their trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and rely on His guidance, knowing that His plan is far superior to any human plan.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that it teaches us humility and submission to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that no matter how meticulously we plan and strategize, our plans are ultimately subject to the divine decree. This realization should instill in us a sense of humility and reliance on Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) wisdom and guidance.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to align their plans and actions with the teachings of Islam. Since Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) decree is all-encompassing and encompasses every aspect of our lives, it is essential for us to seek His guidance and adhere to His commands in all our endeavors. By doing so, we ensure that our plans are in harmony with the divine plan, leading to success in this world and the hereafter.

The consequences of understanding and internalizing this Hadith are profound. It helps Muslims develop a sense of tranquility and contentment, knowing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is in control of all affairs. It also prevents us from becoming overly attached to our plans and outcomes, as we recognize that Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) decree may differ from our desires. This understanding cultivates patience, trust, and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), enabling us to navigate the challenges of life with grace and resilience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when divine decree comes, the plans of individuals are nullified. This concept is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize the supremacy of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) decree over human plans. Understanding and internalizing this Hadith leads to humility, reliance on Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guidance, and contentment with His divine plan. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to align our plans with His decree and bless us with success in this world and the hereafter.