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English translation
78. It was narrated that 'Ali said:"We were sitting with the Prophet
☼ and he had a stick in his hand. He scratched in the ground with it, then raised his head and said: 'There is no one among you but his place in Paradise or Hell has already been decreed.' He was asked: 'O Messenger of Allāh, should we not then rely upon that?' He said: 'No, strive and do not rely upon that, for it will be made easy for each person to do that for which he was created.' Then he recited: "As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allāh and fears Him, And believes in Al-Husnā.[1] We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness). But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient. And denies Al-Husnā. We will make smooth for him the path for evil."[2] (Sahih)
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Commentary
The Hadith affirms the reality of Divine Decree.
Divine Decree is another name for Allāh's attribute of knowledge. It does not mean predetermination in the sense that man has no power over his actions.
Admittance of man to Paradise or Hell is linked to his actions. Nobody knows what the future holds for him. It is, therefore, necessary that we keep trying to do righteous deeds and avoid sinful acts.
Faith in the Divine Decree does not mean that man give up trying and doing hard work. He should rather make it a point not to be afraid of impending dangers nor despair of Allāh's mercy for, if success is to come
by Allāh's permission, it is bound to happen in spite of all odds and difficulties. If not, the person shall at least get reward for his good intentions and hard work. Allāh does not let the good done by anybody go to waste.
