Chapter 8 - On The Necessity of a Believer's Submission to Destiny

Imam Baqir (a.s) said: “God will do what He has destined, and acts justly in implementing His decrees. No one can revert what He has destined or put off His decrees. The best of God's creatures are those who submit to God's decrees. God's decrees will be implemented for whoever recognizes God the Almighty and is content with divine destiny, and God will increase his rewards. On the other hand, God's decree will also be implemented for whoever does not like divine destiny, and his rewards would also be wasted.”

Imam Kazim (a.s) said: “If anyone becomes neglectful of God, he should not accuse God for his delayed income or accuse Him regarding divine destiny.”

Imam Reza (a.s) was questioned about the orphan's treasure (mentioned in the Holy Quran). He said: “That treasure was a golden plate on which it was written: “In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is God's Prophet.” I am amazed how one who is certain about death can be happy, and one who is certain about divine destiny can be sad. I am amazed how one who sees the world, and sees how the tables turn on people, can be so attached to this world.” It is not proper for one who has recognized God to get upset whenever there is a delay in his daily bread, or to accuse God regarding His decrees.”

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: “Imam Ali (a.s) said the following when he prayed: “O' Lord! Help me succeed in relying upon You, and leaving my affairs to You, and being content with what You have destined for me, and submit to your orders, so that I do not prefer to speed up what You delay, or put off what You speed up. O' Lord of the two worlds!”

Imam Baqir (a.s) said: “We really like to enjoy our family, relatives and servants. It is our right to ask God not to descend calamities upon us. But whenever God destines something, we are not allowed to like what God does not like.”