Hadith #3382

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

لِلْخائِبِ الآئِسِ مَضَضُ الهَلاكِ۔

This can be translated as:

For the frustrated and hopeless one there is the anguish of ruin [and loss].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (kha'ib) "خائِبِ" refers to someone who is frustrated, disappointed, or defeated. It signifies a state of despair and hopelessness. The word (a'is) "آئِسِ" means someone who has lost all hope, who is in a state of utter desperation. It denotes a feeling of complete helplessness and desolation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that for such individuals, there is the (maddadu al-halak) "مَضَضُ الهَلاكِ", which can be translated as the

anguish of ruin [and loss].

This phrase highlights the severe consequences that await those who give in to frustration and hopelessness. It serves as a reminder that despair and defeatism can lead to destruction and loss in various aspects of life, including spiritual, emotional, and material.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of maintaining hope and avoiding despair. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Yusuf (12:87):

O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.

This verse reminds us that despair is a characteristic of those who reject faith. Muslims, on the other hand, should always maintain hope in the mercy and assistance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Az-Zumar (39:53):

Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'

This verse serves as a reminder that no matter how grave our sins may be, we should never lose hope in the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the dangers of succumbing to despair and hopelessness. When one gives up on themselves, their abilities, and the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), they are more likely to fall into destructive behaviors and make poor choices. This can lead to ruin and loss in various aspects of life, including relationships, personal growth, and spiritual well-being.

For example, if a person faces a setback or failure and allows themselves to be consumed by frustration and hopelessness, they may lose the motivation to strive for success and improvement. They may become stagnant and unwilling to take risks or seize opportunities. This can hinder their personal and professional growth, leading to missed chances and unfulfilled potential.

In addition, despair can negatively impact one's relationships. When a person feels hopeless, they may withdraw from social interactions, isolating themselves from loved ones. This can strain relationships and hinder the support and love that is essential for emotional well-being.

Moreover, despair can have detrimental effects on one's spirituality. It can weaken the connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and diminish the trust in His divine plan. This lack of faith can lead to a sense of emptiness and spiritual void, depriving the individual of the solace and guidance that comes from a strong relationship with the Creator.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words serve as a reminder for Muslims to always maintain hope and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Even in the face of adversity and challenges, we should remember that Allah's mercy and assistance are always available to us. We should seek solace in prayer, rely on our faith, and strive to overcome obstacles with patience and perseverance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the dangers of despair and hopelessness. It reminds us of the anguish and loss that await those who give in to frustration. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of maintaining hope and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate a positive mindset, rely on the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and face challenges with resilience and unwavering faith. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from despair and grant us the strength to overcome all obstacles.