Hadith #4391

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.

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

يَطْلُبُكَ رِزْقُكَ أشَدَّ مِنْ طَلَبِكَ لَهُ فَأَجمِلْ في طَلَبِهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the intensity with which sustenance seeks us, surpassing our own efforts in seeking it. It advises us to be moderate and balanced in our pursuit of sustenance.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words. "رِزْقُكَ" refers to sustenance, encompassing all aspects of provision, including material wealth, knowledge, and spiritual nourishment. "أشَدَّ" signifies the intensity and strength of the pursuit of sustenance towards us. "طَلَبِكَ لَهُ" refers to our own efforts in seeking sustenance. "أَجمِلْ" advises us to be moderate and balanced in our pursuit.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to seek the Hereafter while not neglecting our share of the world. It emphasizes the importance of balance in our pursuit of sustenance. We should strive for success in both the material and spiritual realms, without falling into the trap of greed or corruption.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201:

And of them are those who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. It encourages us to ask Allah for the best of both realms, acknowledging that sustenance encompasses not only material wealth but also spiritual blessings and protection from harm.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we realize that our sustenance is not solely dependent on our own efforts. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has ordained that sustenance seeks us with greater intensity than we seek it. This understanding should instill in us a sense of trust in Allah's divine plan and alleviate any anxiety or excessive striving for worldly possessions.

Being moderate in our pursuit of sustenance does not mean we should be complacent or lazy. Rather, it reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations. We should work diligently, seeking lawful means of sustenance, while also allocating time for worship, family, and community service.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, advises us to be moderate in our pursuit of sustenance. By doing so, we avoid becoming consumed by the materialistic desires of this world and maintain a focus on our ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that sustenance seeks us with greater intensity than we seek it. It urges us to be moderate and balanced in our pursuit, seeking both worldly and spiritual goodness. By following this guidance, we can lead a fulfilling life in this world and secure eternal success in the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom to understand and implement this valuable advice.