Hadith #1001

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

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

Matters are subservient to destiny until death (or injustice) enters the plan.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (maqādir) "مَقَادِير" refers to destiny or predestination, which is the divine decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) determining the events and outcomes of our lives. The word (ḥatf) "حَتْف" can be translated as death or injustice, depending on the context. In this Hadith, it signifies a turning point or a critical moment that disrupts the course of events.

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 affirms the concept of destiny and emphasizes that everything in the universe, including our lives and the events that unfold within them, is predetermined by Allah's divine wisdom.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allah, is easy.

This verse highlights that every calamity or hardship that befalls us is already recorded in the divine decree. It serves as a reminder that our lives are subject to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and He has full control over the unfolding of events.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Matters are subservient to destiny until death (or injustice) enters the plan,

sheds light on the delicate balance between destiny and human agency. Until the moment of death or the occurrence of injustice, our actions and choices are within the realm of destiny. We have the ability to make decisions and exert our will, but ultimately, the outcome is determined by Allah's divine plan.

However, when death or injustice enters the plan, it signifies a significant turning point. Death is the ultimate reality that awaits every soul, and it marks the end of our earthly journey. Injustice, on the other hand, refers to any act of oppression or wrongdoing that disrupts the natural order of justice. Both death and injustice have profound consequences that can alter the course of events and challenge the notion of absolute predestination.

For example, when a person dies, their absence creates a void that affects the lives of those around them. Their departure may lead to a chain of events that were not initially destined, such as the emotional impact on their loved ones or the changes in the dynamics of a community. Similarly, when injustice occurs, it can ignite a spark of resistance and activism, leading to a struggle for justice and a change in the course of history.

In light of this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of recognizing the limits of our control and submitting to the divine decree. We must strive to make the best choices within the boundaries set by destiny, knowing that ultimately, Allah's plan will prevail. However, we should also be vigilant in standing against injustice and working towards a more just society, as it is our duty as Muslims to uphold justice and fight against oppression.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that matters are subservient to destiny until death or injustice enters the plan. It emphasizes the balance between destiny and human agency, reminding us of the importance of submitting to Allah's divine decree while also standing against injustice. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to navigate the complexities of life and the strength to strive for justice.