Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

428 The oath ofallegiance to 'Ali, his characteristics & his way of life
3.1.4.h. The divine will and decree, as understood
by Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali ibn Abi ?;lib (&)
Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali ibn Abi Tilib (&) said: "Nothing
happens on earth until it is decreed in heaven. There is no one who
does not have two angels appointed to defend him and take care of
himuntil the time comes for what Allah has decreed, whereupon they
no longer stand between him and what is decreed for him. I have
complete protection from Allah, but when it is time for me to die, this
protection will be taken away. No one knows true faith until he
realises that what befalls him could never have missed him, and what
misses him could never have befallen him."374
He (&) also said: "The divine decree comes down from
heaven like drops of rain, and every soul will have what Allah
decreed for it of increase or decrease with regard to himself or his
family or his wealth. If a person sees that he has some decrease with
regard to himself or his family or his wealth, and he sees that others
have a great deal, that should not be a source of resentment for him.
The sincere Muslin1 will have one of two rewards when he prays to
Allah: either Allah will grant him wealth, and thus he will have
family and wealth, and he will still have his respected status and
religious commitment, or AUah will give him blessings in the
hereafter, and the hereafter is better and more lasting. The blessings
will he twofold: blessings in this world: wealth and piety, as well as
blessings in the hereafter: the righteous good deeds that remain. And
Allah may grant both to some people."375
3.1.4.i. How Allah (g) brings His slaves to
account despite their huge numbers
It was said to Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali ibn Abi T ab (&):
, .,
"How will Allah bring His slaves to account despite their huge
numbers?" He said: "Just as He provides for them despite their huge
numbers."376