Hadith #4378

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

For every sustenance there is a means, so be moderate in your seeking [it].

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of understanding that sustenance, or rizq, is not solely dependent on our efforts, but rather it is a result of both our efforts and the divine decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word "rizq" refers to sustenance, encompassing all forms of provision that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His creation. It includes not only material wealth, but also knowledge, wisdom, health, and all other blessings that contribute to our well-being in this world and the hereafter.

The word "sabab" means means or causes. It implies that every form of sustenance has a specific cause or means through which it is attained. This highlights the importance of taking practical steps and making efforts to seek sustenance, while also acknowledging that the ultimate provider is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 17:

And no soul earns [anything] except that it is upon itself, and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.

This verse emphasizes individual responsibility and the concept of cause and effect. Each person is accountable for their own actions and efforts in seeking sustenance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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 highlights the importance of seeking sustenance in a balanced manner. While it is essential to strive for success in this world, it should not be at the expense of neglecting our spiritual growth and preparation for the Hereafter. We are encouraged to fulfill our worldly responsibilities while also prioritizing our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to adopt a moderate approach in seeking sustenance. It encourages us to strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual aspirations. It reminds us that while we should make efforts and take practical steps to attain sustenance, we should also place our trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and rely on His divine decree.

By being moderate in our seeking, we avoid extremes such as excessive greed or laziness. We strive for success in this world, but not at the expense of our moral values and spiritual well-being. We understand that our sustenance is ultimately in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and He is the best of providers.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of recognizing the means and causes through which sustenance is attained. It reminds us to be moderate in our seeking, striking a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual obligations. By understanding that our sustenance is ultimately in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can approach our endeavors with sincerity, trust, and gratitude. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek sustenance in a manner that is pleasing to Him and beneficial for our worldly and spiritual well-being.