Hadith #1129

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Hope misleads and transgression strikes down.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (amal) "أمَلُ" in Arabic refers to hope or expectation. It is a feeling of anticipation for something desired or wished for. Hope is a natural human emotion that can motivate and inspire us. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us that hope can be deceptive and misleading. It can lead us astray from the path of righteousness if we place our hopes in the wrong things or rely solely on our desires without considering the guidance of Allah.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of misplaced hope. In Surah Yusuf (12:68), Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises his fellow prisoners,

O my fellow prisoners! Are many different lords better or Allah, the One, the Prevailing?

This verse reminds us that placing our hope in worldly desires, material possessions, or other people can lead us away from the true source of guidance and fulfillment, which is Allah alone.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:103-104), Allah tells the story of two men, one of whom had a garden filled with abundant fruits. The man became arrogant and said,

I do not think that this will ever perish. And I do not think the Hour will occur. And even if I should be brought back to my Lord, I will surely find better than this as a return.

This man's misplaced hope in his worldly possessions and his denial of the Day of Judgment led to his downfall. Allah destroyed his garden as a lesson for those who place their hopes in the transient pleasures of this world.

Now let us turn our attention to the second part of the Hadith, (al-baghi yasra'u) "البَغيُ يَصرَعُ". The word (baghi) "بَغيُ" refers to transgression, rebellion, or going beyond the limits set by Allah. It signifies an act of injustice, aggression, or oppression. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that transgression will ultimately lead to our downfall and destruction.

In the Quran, Allah repeatedly condemns transgression and warns of its consequences. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190), Allah says,

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining justice even in times of conflict. It reminds us that resorting to transgression and exceeding the limits set by Allah is not permissible, as it goes against the principles of Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), Allah warns the people of Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who transgressed and oppressed themselves, saying,

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

This verse highlights the consequences of transgression and the importance of seeking Allah's forgiveness and guidance to avoid falling into the trap of oppression.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It urges us to be cautious of the deceptive nature of hope and to place our hopes in Allah alone. We should not be misled by the fleeting desires of this world, but rather seek guidance and fulfillment in the obedience of Allah and the teachings of Islam.

Furthermore, the Hadith warns us against transgression and going beyond the limits set by Allah. It reminds us that injustice and oppression will ultimately lead to our downfall and destruction. As Muslims, we are called to uphold justice, fairness, and compassion in all aspects of our lives, and to avoid any form of transgression or oppression.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the deceptive nature of hope and to avoid transgression. It calls us to place our hopes in Allah alone and to adhere to the principles of justice and righteousness. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and protect us from the pitfalls of misplaced hope and transgression.