Hadith #1044

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) states,

Allah, the Glorified, does not forbid anything but that He has makes [the people] needless of it.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the wisdom and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in His guidance to humanity.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (nahya) "نهى" means to forbid or prohibit, indicating that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has set boundaries and restrictions for our benefit. The word (aghna) "أغنى" means to make needless or independent. Therefore, this Hadith conveys that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not forbid anything except that He provides an alternative or makes us independent of it.

This concept is beautifully reflected in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185),

Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.

This verse emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not burden us with unnecessary prohibitions or restrictions. Rather, His guidance is meant to facilitate our lives and bring us ease.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:145), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal or blood spilled out or the flesh of swine - for indeed, it is impure - or it be [that slaughtered in] disobedience, dedicated to other than Allah.'

This verse highlights that the prohibitions mentioned in the Quran are limited to specific things that are harmful or impure. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has made permissible for us a wide range of things, providing us with abundant options and alternatives.

The wisdom behind Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) prohibition of certain things lies in His knowledge of what is best for us. For example, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) forbids the consumption of alcohol, which has been proven to have detrimental effects on individuals and society. By prohibiting it, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protects us from its harmful consequences and guides us towards a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.

Similarly, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) forbids lying, cheating, and backbiting, among other things. These prohibitions safeguard our relationships, promote trust and honesty, and contribute to a harmonious society. By adhering to these prohibitions, we become needless of falsehood and deception, and instead, we are guided towards truthfulness and integrity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) infinite wisdom and mercy in His guidance to humanity. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not forbid anything except that He provides an alternative or makes us independent of it. His prohibitions are not meant to burden us, but rather to protect us, guide us towards what is beneficial, and grant us ease in this life and the Hereafter. As Muslims, we should strive to understand and follow these prohibitions, trusting in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) wisdom and seeking His pleasure.