Hadith #4390

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

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

No one possesses the ability to withhold sustenance or to bestow it except the Sustainer.

This beautiful saying highlights the absolute control and authority of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over the provision of sustenance.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (imsak) "إمْساكَ" means "withholding" or "restraining," while (al-arzaq) "الأرْزاقِ" refers to "sustenance" or "provision." On the other hand, (idraraha) "إدْرارَها" signifies "bestowing" or "granting." The word (ar-Razzaq) "الرَّزّاقُ" refers to "the Sustainer" or "the Provider."

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes His role as the ultimate Provider and Sustainer. In Surah Al-Hijr (15:20), Allah says,

And indeed, it is We who give life and cause death and We are the Inheritor.

This verse reminds us that Allah is the one who grants life and death, and therefore, it is He who controls the sustenance of all beings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:60), Allah states,

And if harm touches you, it is He who removes it, and if He intends for you good, then there is none who can repel His bounty.

This verse highlights that Allah alone has the power to remove harm and bestow goodness upon His creation. It reinforces the idea that sustenance is solely in the hands of the Almighty.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should not rely on anyone but Allah for their sustenance. It teaches us to place our trust in the Provider and to seek His assistance in times of need. It also serves as a warning against attributing the power of sustenance to any other being or entity.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that acknowledging Allah as the sole Provider has profound implications for our lives. Firstly, it instills in us a sense of gratitude and humility. We recognize that every morsel of food, every breath we take, and every blessing we enjoy is a gift from Allah. This realization fosters a deep sense of appreciation and thankfulness for His abundant mercy and blessings.

Secondly, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of relying on Allah in times of difficulty and hardship. When faced with financial challenges or uncertain circumstances, we should turn to Allah in prayer and seek His assistance. By recognizing that He alone has control over our sustenance, we develop a stronger connection with Him and rely on His infinite wisdom and mercy.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder to avoid envy and jealousy towards others. When we understand that sustenance is in the hands of Allah, we realize that He has apportioned each individual's provision according to His divine wisdom. This understanding helps us to be content with what we have and to avoid coveting the blessings of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the absolute control and authority of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over the provision of sustenance. It reminds us to place our trust in the Provider and to seek His assistance in all matters. By recognizing that sustenance is solely in the hands of Allah, we develop gratitude, reliance, and contentment in our lives as Muslims. May Allah guide us to always remember His role as the ultimate Provider and Sustainer.