Hadith #8356

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

إذا لَمْ يَكُنْ ما تُريدُ فَأَرِدْ ما يَكُونُ۔

This can be translated as,

When what you want does not happen, then want what happens [and be satisfied with it].

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds great wisdom and guidance for Muslims in dealing with the uncertainties and disappointments of life.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The word (turiidu) "تُريدُ" refers to one's desires or wishes, the things that one longs for or hopes to achieve. It encompasses both material and spiritual aspirations. On the other hand, the word (yakoonu) "يَكُونُ" means what actually happens or comes into existence. It refers to the events, circumstances, and outcomes that occur in our lives.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216,

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 emphasizes that our limited understanding may lead us to desire something that is not in our best interest, while Allah's infinite wisdom knows what is truly beneficial for us. Therefore, when our desires are not fulfilled, it is a test of our faith and submission to Allah's decree.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 81, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And say: Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly desires and the inevitability of change. Our desires may not always align with the divine plan, and it is our duty to accept and adapt to the unfolding of events.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to shift our perspective when faced with disappointment or unfulfilled desires. Instead of dwelling on what we did not achieve or obtain, we should redirect our focus towards accepting and embracing what actually happens. This does not imply passive resignation or indifference, but rather a recognition of the wisdom and purpose behind every situation.

By aligning our desires with the divine will, we cultivate contentment and trust in Allah's plan. This attitude is beautifully exemplified in the life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, they remained steadfast in their faith and found solace in surrendering to Allah's decree. Their unwavering trust in Allah's wisdom and their ability to adapt to changing circumstances serve as timeless examples for all Muslims.

When we internalize the message of this Hadith, we develop resilience and inner peace. We learn to detach ourselves from the outcome of our desires and instead focus on our efforts and intentions. We recognize that true success lies in striving for excellence and righteousness, while leaving the results in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This mindset frees us from the shackles of disappointment and regret, allowing us to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and gratitude.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us a valuable lesson in accepting and embracing the unfolding of events in our lives. By aligning our desires with the divine will, we cultivate contentment and trust in Allah's plan. Through the guidance of the Quran, we understand that our limited understanding may lead us to desire things that are not in our best interest, and it is our duty to submit to Allah's decree. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of this Hadith and find tranquility in surrendering to His will.