Hadith #4371

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

تَنْزِلُ مِنَ اللّهِ المَعُونَةُ عَلى قَدْرِ المَؤُنَةِ۔

This can be translated as:

Assistance comes down from Allah to the extent of the provisions [that are required for sustenance].

Let us now delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (ma'oonah) "مَعُونَةُ" in the Hadith refers to assistance or help. It signifies the support and aid that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) provides to His creation. This assistance encompasses various aspects of life, including both material and spiritual needs.

The term (qadr) "قَدْرِ" in the Hadith means extent or measure. It emphasizes that the assistance from Allah is proportionate to the provisions required for sustenance. This implies that Allah's help is not arbitrary or random, but rather perfectly aligned with the needs and capacities of His creation. It highlights the divine wisdom and justice in providing assistance according to the individual's circumstances and capabilities.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support and elucidate the concept mentioned in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286):

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse emphasizes that Allah's assistance is tailored to the individual's capacity. He does not burden anyone with challenges or responsibilities that exceed their ability to handle. Thus, the help from Allah is always in accordance with one's provisions and capabilities.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq (65:7), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us:

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect.

This verse highlights that Allah's assistance is not limited to what we can perceive or anticipate. He can provide help and sustenance from unexpected sources, beyond our imagination. It demonstrates the limitless nature of Allah's support and His ability to provide for His servants.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that Allah's assistance is not limited to mere provision of material needs. It encompasses all aspects of life, including guidance, protection, and spiritual nourishment. Just as Allah provides sustenance for our bodies, He also provides sustenance for our souls. This assistance can come in the form of knowledge, wisdom, strength, and blessings that enable us to navigate the challenges of life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, understood the depth of this divine assistance. He recognized that Allah's help is not arbitrary or disconnected from our needs and capabilities. Instead, it is perfectly aligned with our provisions, allowing us to grow and fulfill our potential.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims that we should have trust and reliance on Allah's assistance. We should not despair or lose hope, for Allah's help is always available to us. It is a call to have faith in His divine wisdom and justice, knowing that He will provide for us according to our needs and capacities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that Allah's assistance is proportionate to the provisions required for sustenance. It highlights the divine wisdom and justice in providing help according to the individual's circumstances and capabilities. This concept is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize Allah's tailored assistance and His ability to provide beyond our expectations. As Muslims, we should trust in Allah's support and rely on His guidance, knowing that His help is always available to us.