Hadith #11052

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

God-given success and God’s abandonment each pulls the soul towards itself, so whichever [of the two] prevails, it enters its fold.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the constant struggle between success and failure, guidance and abandonment, and the choices we make in our lives.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tawfiq) "تَوْفِيق" refers to divine success or guidance bestowed upon an individual by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is the divine assistance that enables a person to make the right choices and attain success in both this world and the hereafter. On the other hand, (khizlan) "خِذْلَان" refers to abandonment or being left to one's own devices without divine guidance.

The Hadith states that these two forces, tawfiq and khizlan, constantly pull the soul towards themselves. It is a struggle between following the path of righteousness and being swayed by worldly temptations. Whichever force prevails in an individual's life determines their spiritual state and the consequences they face.

To understand the concept of tawfiq and khizlan further, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse highlights the concept of tawfiq, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) provides the necessary guidance and support for individuals to overcome challenges and fulfill their responsibilities.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

That is because Allah would not change a favor which He had bestowed upon a people until they change what is within themselves.

This verse emphasizes the consequences of khizlan, as individuals who turn away from the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) may find themselves abandoned and deprived of divine assistance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder of the constant struggle within ourselves. We are constantly faced with choices that can either lead us towards success and divine guidance or towards failure and abandonment. It is our responsibility to strive for tawfiq by seeking knowledge, practicing good deeds, and aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

When we prioritize our spiritual growth and seek Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guidance, we increase the likelihood of tawfiq prevailing in our lives. Conversely, if we neglect our spiritual well-being and succumb to worldly desires, we risk falling into the trap of khizlan.

The consequences of tawfiq and khizlan are not limited to this world alone. They have a profound impact on our eternal life in the hereafter. Those who strive for tawfiq and succeed in aligning their lives with the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will be rewarded with everlasting success and proximity to Him. Conversely, those who choose khizlan and turn away from divine guidance may face the consequences of their actions in the form of spiritual deprivation and distance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder of the constant struggle between tawfiq and khizlan in our lives. It highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance, making conscious choices, and aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran. By striving for tawfiq and avoiding khizlan, we can attain success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to make choices that lead us towards His guidance and eternal success.