Hadith #3265

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,

Everything is possible except [changing and] transferring of natural dispositions [of character and personality].

This impactful saying of Imam Ali highlights the inherent nature of human beings and the limitations we face in altering our fundamental characteristics.

To understand this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. The word (naqla) "نَقْلَ" means "transferring" or "changing," while (al-tiba'i) "الطِّباعِ" refers to "natural dispositions" or "innate qualities." Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that while many things in life can be altered or achieved, the core aspects of our character and personality are not easily changed or transferred.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Ar-Rum (30:30),

So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.

This verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to the fitrah, the natural disposition upon which Allah has created all human beings. It highlights that the core essence of our being, including our innate qualities and inclinations, is divinely ordained and unchangeable. Therefore, attempting to alter or transfer these natural dispositions goes against the divine order.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that guidance and the transformation of hearts are ultimately in the hands of Allah. While we can strive to improve ourselves and seek guidance, it is Allah who ultimately guides and changes the hearts of individuals. This further reinforces the understanding that changing our natural dispositions is beyond our control and is a matter that lies in the hands of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound implications for our personal growth and development. It reminds us to embrace our innate qualities and work towards nurturing positive characteristics within ourselves. It also teaches us to have patience and acceptance for the aspects of our personality that cannot be easily changed.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to focus on the aspects of our character and personality that we can improve. We should strive to develop virtues such as patience, kindness, and honesty, while also seeking forgiveness for our shortcomings. By doing so, we align ourselves with the divine order and fulfill our purpose of becoming better individuals.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that while many things in life are within our control, the natural dispositions of our character and personality are not easily changed or transferred. This teaching finds support in the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of adhering to the fitrah and recognizing that guidance and transformation are in the hands of Allah. As Muslims, we should strive to develop positive qualities within ourselves, while also accepting and embracing our innate characteristics. May Allah guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to understand and apply the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.