Hadith #4677

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights an important aspect of human existence and the dynamics of achieving one's goals. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The means by which an incapable person achieves his goal is the same one (means) that makes the powerful person incapable of achieving what he seeks.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in the Hadith. The word (bughiyatahu) "بُغْيَتَهُ" refers to one's goal, aim, or desire. It represents the ultimate objective that an individual strives to attain. The word (a'jaza) "أعْجَزَ" means to render someone incapable or powerless. It signifies the inability to achieve or accomplish something. The word (talibatihi) "طَلِبَتِهِ" refers to the act of seeking or pursuing one's goal.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the universal truth that the means or methods employed by a person who lacks capability can lead to the fulfillment of their goals, while the same means can render a powerful person incapable of achieving what they seek. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran.

In Surah Al-Anfal (8:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 highlights that the disbelievers, who lacked the power and resources of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the early Muslims, devised various strategies to harm and hinder them. However, Allah's plan ultimately prevailed, and the disbelievers' attempts were thwarted.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:43), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

When Allah showed them to you in your dream as few; and if He had shown them to you as many, you [believers] would have lost courage and would have disputed in the matter [of whether to fight], but Allah saved [you from that]. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.

This verse recounts the Battle of Badr, where the Muslim army, despite being outnumbered and seemingly incapable, emerged victorious. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reduced the number of the enemy forces in the dream of the Prophet (ﷺ) to boost the morale of the Muslims and ensure their success.

These Quranic verses demonstrate that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) can utilize the means and strategies of the weak and incapable to achieve their goals, while simultaneously rendering the powerful and capable individuals ineffective in their pursuits. This divine wisdom is a testament to Allah's infinite knowledge and ability to bring about outcomes that may seem contrary to human expectations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims that success and achievement are not solely dependent on one's material strength or capabilities. Rather, it is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) who determines the ultimate outcome and utilizes various means to bring about His divine plan. Muslims should strive to put their trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His guidance and assistance in all their endeavors.

This Hadith also serves as a cautionary reminder for those who possess power, wealth, or influence. It highlights the transient nature of worldly strength and the potential for it to become a hindrance in achieving one's goals. Arrogance, complacency, and reliance solely on one's capabilities can blind individuals to their own limitations and prevent them from attaining their desired objectives. It is essential for Muslims in positions of power to recognize their dependence on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to utilize their resources and abilities in accordance with His guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a profound insight into the dynamics of achieving goals and the role of Allah's divine plan in determining outcomes. It reminds Muslims of the importance of relying on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His guidance, regardless of their capabilities or limitations. It also serves as a reminder for those in positions of power to exercise humility and recognize the transient nature of worldly strength. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and apply these teachings in our lives.