Hadith #4384

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

One who is [too] concerned about his next day’s sustenance will never be successful.

This Hadith highlights the importance of trust in Allah's provision and the futility of excessive worry about future sustenance.

The word (ihtamma) "اهْتَمَّ" in the Hadith means to be overly concerned or preoccupied with something. It implies a state of excessive worry and anxiety. The word (rizq) "رِزْقِ" refers to sustenance, encompassing not only material provisions but also spiritual, emotional, and intellectual nourishment.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the concept of trust in His provision. Allah says in Surah Hud (11:6),

And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq (65:3), Allah assures us,

And He will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

These verses remind us that Allah is the ultimate provider, and He has already ordained our sustenance. Excessive concern about tomorrow's provision can lead to anxiety and distract us from fulfilling our true purpose in life. It is crucial to strike a balance between taking practical steps to secure our livelihood and placing our trust in Allah's wisdom and mercy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us against being overly preoccupied with future sustenance because it can hinder our success. This does not mean that we should be negligent or idle in our efforts. Rather, it emphasizes the need to have faith in Allah's promise of provision and to rely on Him while actively working towards our goals.

Excessive worry about sustenance can have detrimental effects on our mental and spiritual well-being. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and a lack of contentment. By trusting in Allah's provision, we free ourselves from the burden of constant worry and find peace in knowing that He will provide for us in ways we may not even anticipate.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to focus on the present moment and to prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with Allah. When we detach ourselves from excessive concern about sustenance, we can redirect our energy towards seeking knowledge, performing good deeds, and cultivating strong relationships with our Creator and fellow human beings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of trusting in Allah's provision and avoiding excessive worry about future sustenance. It aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize reliance on Allah and His promise to provide for His creation. By striking a balance between practical efforts and trust in Allah, we can find success and inner peace in this life and the hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom to understand and implement this valuable lesson in our lives.