Hadith #8699

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights an important aspect of Allah's divine decree and the relationship between a servant and his provisions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that Allah, the Exalted, does not grant a servant more than what He has decreed for him in the Wise Reminder (the Quran), regardless of the intensity of the servant's efforts, desires, or strategies to attain it. Furthermore, the weakness of a person or the limitations of his means do not hinder him from receiving what has been ordained for him in the Wise Reminder.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and concepts mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The first important term is (الذِّكْرِ الحَكيمِ) "the Wise Reminder", which refers to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance and wisdom for all Muslims. It is through the Quran that Allah communicates His commands, prohibitions, and teachings to humanity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that Allah's decree, as mentioned in the Wise Reminder, is absolute and cannot be altered by the efforts, desires, or strategies of a servant. This highlights the concept of divine predestination (qadr), which is a fundamental belief in Islam. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has predetermined the provisions and outcomes for each individual, taking into account their efforts, abilities, and circumstances.

To further support this understanding, let us turn to the Quran. Allah says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:22),

No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allah, is easy.

This verse affirms that everything that occurs in the world is already recorded in a divine register, indicating that Allah's decree is comprehensive and encompasses all aspects of life.

Another verse that sheds light on this concept is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah says,

And We have certainly recorded everything in a clear register.

This verse emphasizes the meticulous recording of every action, intention, and outcome, further highlighting the divine decree and the comprehensive knowledge of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states that the one who recognizes and acts upon this understanding will experience the most comfort and benefit among all people. This means that accepting and submitting to Allah's decree brings inner peace, contentment, and tranquility. When a person realizes that their provisions are predetermined by Allah, they are relieved from the constant worry and anxiety of seeking more than what has been decreed for them. They find solace in knowing that Allah's wisdom surpasses their own desires and that He knows what is best for them.

On the other hand, the one who disregards or doubts this divine decree will face the most harm. This refers to those who reject or question the concept of divine predestination and instead rely solely on their own efforts and strategies to attain their desires. Such individuals may experience disappointment, frustration, and even harm as they strive relentlessly for what is not meant for them.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of recognizing and accepting Allah's decree in our lives. It teaches us that our provisions and outcomes are predetermined by Allah, and no amount of effort or strategy can change what has been ordained for us. By embracing this understanding, we can find peace and contentment, knowing that Allah's wisdom surpasses our own desires. May Allah grant us the wisdom to accept His decree and find comfort in His provisions.