Mu'awiya reported God’s messenger as saying, “When God wishes good for anyone He instructs him in the religion. I am only a distributor; God gives.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Divine Bestowal of Religious Understanding
This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reveals the divine mechanism through which true religious comprehension is granted. The phrase "When God wishes good for anyone" establishes that divine will precedes all spiritual enlightenment, reminding us that guidance originates from Allah's infinite wisdom and mercy.
The Prophet's Role as Distributor
The Messenger's declaration "I am only a distributor" exemplifies profound humility while clarifying his prophetic function. He distributes divine knowledge exactly as received, without addition or subtraction, maintaining the purity of revelation.
This distribution occurs through revelation (wahy), practical demonstration (sunnah), and personal instruction - all channels through which the Prophet conveyed Allah's guidance to humanity.
Divine Source of Knowledge
The concluding phrase "God gives" establishes tawhid in knowledge, affirming that all true understanding of religion emanates from Allah alone. This protects against intellectual arrogance and reminds scholars that their knowledge is ultimately a divine gift.
This principle necessitates that seekers of knowledge combine diligent study with sincere supplication for divine facilitation (tawfiq).
Practical Implications for Seekers
This teaching encourages humility in learning, recognizing that true understanding is a divine grant rather than mere intellectual achievement.
It teaches students to value religious knowledge above worldly sciences, as it is the means through which Allah manifests His special care for His servants.
The hadith also guides teachers to attribute success in teaching to Allah rather than their own abilities.