اَلْعَبْدُ عَبْدٌ،وَ إنْ ساعَدَهُ القَدَرُ۔
A servant is a servant, even if he is assisted by [divine] destiny.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Servants)
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.
In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,
A servant is a servant, even if he is assisted by [divine] destiny.
Let us delve into the meaning and implications of this statement in light of the Quran.
The word (abd) "عَبْدُ" in Arabic refers to a servant or a slave. It signifies a person who is in complete submission and obedience to their master. In this context, it refers to a person who recognizes their servitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and submits to His will.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that regardless of any assistance or support one may receive from divine destiny, they remain a servant. This highlights the importance of humility and recognizing our dependence on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.
The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the concept of servitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). For example, in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,
He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned.
This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate authority and we are accountable to Him for our actions.
Another verse that highlights the concept of servitude is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,
And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.
This verse emphasizes the need for us to seek Allah's guidance and support in all aspects of our lives.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that regardless of any blessings or assistance we may receive, we should never forget our status as servants of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is easy to become arrogant or complacent when we experience success or receive blessings, but this Hadith reminds us to remain humble and grateful to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to recognize that our destiny is ultimately in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). While we may strive and work hard to achieve our goals, it is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) who ultimately determines the outcome. This understanding should instill in us a sense of trust and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), knowing that He is the best of planners.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of recognizing our status as servants of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and remaining humble in all circumstances. It teaches us to rely on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for guidance and support, and to trust in His divine destiny. May we always strive to be true servants of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure in all that we do.
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