Hadith #7100

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) highlights the relationship between intellect, faith, and acceptance of divine decree. Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith and explore its profound implications in light of the Quran.

The word (intellect) "عَقْلُ" refers to the faculty of reasoning, understanding, and discernment. It is through intellect that a person gains knowledge, comprehends the world around them, and makes informed decisions. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that as a person's intellect increases, their faith in divine decree strengthens.

The term (his faith becomes stronger) "قَوِيَ إيمانُهُ" signifies the deepening and fortification of one's belief in the divine plan and predestination. As a person's intellect expands, they begin to recognize the wisdom and purpose behind the events that unfold in their lives. They understand that everything happens according to the decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and that there is divine wisdom behind every occurrence.

To support this understanding, we find numerous Quranic verses that highlight the importance of faith in divine decree. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:22),

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 reminds us that every calamity or hardship that befalls us is already recorded and known to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a test from Him and a means to strengthen our faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse reminds us that our limited understanding may lead us to dislike or reject certain events, but in reality, they may hold immense benefit for us. It is through faith in divine decree that we can accept and embrace the changing events that bring worldly loss to us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states, (he takes the changing events lightly) "واسْتَخَفَّ بِالغِيَرِ". This phrase emphasizes the attitude of a person whose faith in divine decree has become strong. They do not become overwhelmed or disheartened by the challenges and losses they face in life. Instead, they maintain a sense of tranquility and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), knowing that everything happens for a reason and that their ultimate success lies in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone.

To illustrate this concept, let us reflect on the story of Prophet Job (Ayub) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Quran. Despite enduring immense suffering and loss, Prophet Job (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained patient and steadfast in his faith. He did not question the divine decree but rather submitted himself completely to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). In the end, his patience and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) were rewarded, and he was blessed with even greater blessings than before.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that as our intellect grows, our faith in divine decree should also strengthen. We should recognize that everything that happens in our lives is part of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) divine plan, and there is wisdom behind every event. By accepting and embracing the changing events that bring worldly loss to us, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) wisdom and our readiness to submit to His will. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and strength to have unwavering faith in divine decree.