Hadith #8703

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

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

Devine decree cannot be repelled by strength and struggle.

This wise utterance emphasizes the belief in the concept of divine decree, or qadr, which is an integral part of Islamic theology. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word (maqādir) "مقادير" in the Hadith refers to the divine decree or predestination. It encompasses the predetermined events and outcomes that occur in our lives, which are ordained by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This concept is beautifully explained in the Quran in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 22:

(Quran 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 highlights that every calamity, trial, or blessing that befalls us is already recorded in the divine decree. It is a reminder that everything happens by the will and knowledge of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and nothing occurs without His permission.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that this divine decree cannot be repelled by (al-quwwah) "القوة", meaning strength, and (al-mughālabah) "المغالبة", meaning struggle or resistance. This implies that no matter how strong or determined we may be, we cannot alter or change the course of events that have been decreed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran also emphasizes the concept of divine decree and the inability of humans to alter it. In Surah Yunus, verse 107, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 10:107)

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good - then He is over all things competent.

This verse highlights that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone has the power to remove or alleviate any hardship that befalls us. It is a reminder that our struggles and efforts should be directed towards seeking His help and relying on His mercy, rather than attempting to resist or change the divine decree.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It teaches us to have faith in the divine decree and to surrender ourselves to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It does not mean that we should be passive or complacent in the face of challenges, but rather that we should strive to align our actions with the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and accept the outcomes with patience and trust in His wisdom.

For example, if we face a difficult situation such as a loss of a loved one or a financial setback, we should make efforts to cope with the situation and seek solutions within the boundaries of Islam. However, we should also recognize that the ultimate outcome is in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and that our efforts alone cannot change the divine decree. This understanding helps us find solace and peace in accepting the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strengthens our reliance on Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the concept of divine decree and the limitations of human strength and struggle in altering it. It encourages us to have faith in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) wisdom and to submit ourselves to His will. By understanding and accepting the divine decree, we can find peace, contentment, and trust in the plans of our Creator. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embrace His decree with patience and gratitude.