Hadith #4427

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) emphasizes the importance of accepting and being content with the divine decree. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us that if we have made a covenant to believe in Allah, we should be satisfied with whatever has been decreed for us and against us. We should not place our hope and trust in anyone other than Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and we should patiently await whatever is brought to us by the divine decree.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this advice, let us delve into the meanings of some key words in the Hadith. The word (aqadta) "عَقَدْتَ" refers to making a covenant or commitment. In this context, it signifies our commitment to believe in Allah and follow His guidance. The word (maqdhiyy) "مَقْضِيِّ" means that which has been decreed or ordained by Allah. It encompasses both the blessings and challenges that we encounter in life. The word (tarju) "تَرْجُ" means to have hope or expectation. In this Hadith, it implies placing our hope in someone other than Allah.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be supported by several Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216):

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 reminds us that sometimes what we perceive as negative or undesirable may actually be beneficial for us in the long run. Therefore, it is crucial to accept and be content with the divine decree, trusting that Allah's wisdom surpasses our limited understanding.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq (65:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him.

This verse emphasizes the importance of placing our trust solely in Allah and not relying on anyone else. It is a reminder that Allah is the ultimate source of support and guidance, and He alone has the power to fulfill our hopes and aspirations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith encourages us to have a deep understanding of the concept of divine decree and to internalize the belief that everything that happens in our lives is a result of Allah's wisdom and plan. By accepting and being content with the divine decree, we develop a sense of tranquility and peace, even in the face of adversity. We recognize that Allah's knowledge and wisdom surpass our own, and that He knows what is best for us.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder to not place our hopes and expectations in anyone other than Allah. While seeking support and assistance from others is not discouraged in Islam, we should always remember that ultimate reliance should be on Allah alone. Placing our hopes in people can lead to disappointment and disillusionment, as humans are fallible and limited in their abilities. Only Allah has the power to fulfill our hopes and desires in the best possible way.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of accepting and being content with the divine decree. It reminds us to place our trust and hope solely in Allah, as He is the ultimate source of guidance and support. By internalizing this advice, we can cultivate a sense of peace and tranquility, knowing that Allah's wisdom surpasses our own and that He knows what is best for us. May Allah grant us the ability to accept His decree with patience and contentment, and may He guide us to rely solely on Him in all aspects of our lives.