Hadith #4289

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Kun lima la tarju aqrabu minka lima tarju.

This enlightening saying encourages us to be closer to that which we do not hope for, rather than being attached to our desires and hopes. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "kun" in Arabic means "be" or "exist." It is a command that urges us to adopt a certain state or behavior. In this context, it calls upon us to embody a particular mindset and approach to life. The word "lima" means "to" or "for," indicating the direction or focus of our actions. "La tarju" translates to

you do not hope for,

referring to those things or outcomes that we may not desire or anticipate. On the other hand, "aqrabu" means "closer" or "nearer," highlighting the need to prioritize and give more attention to these unexpected or undesired circumstances. Finally, "minka" means "than you are," emphasizing the comparison between our proximity to what we hope for and what we do not hope for.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) teaches us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216:

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse reminds us that our limited understanding may lead us to dislike or reject something that is ultimately beneficial for us. It encourages us to trust in Allah's wisdom and accept His decree, even if it goes against our desires.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan, verse 7, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - they will have the Gardens of Paradise as a lodging.

This verse highlights the importance of righteous actions and belief in attaining Paradise. It reminds us that our ultimate goal should be to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than being solely focused on worldly desires and aspirations.

In light of these Quranic verses, the exegesis of the Hadith becomes clearer. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising us to prioritize what is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over our own personal desires and hopes. We should strive to be closer to those actions and circumstances that may not align with our expectations, but are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. This requires us to detach ourselves from our own ego and submit to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

For example, if we are faced with a situation where we have the opportunity to earn unlawful wealth, but it goes against our moral values, we should distance ourselves from it, even if it means sacrificing our immediate desires. Similarly, if we are faced with a hardship or trial that we did not anticipate, we should embrace it with patience and trust in Allah's plan, knowing that it may lead to spiritual growth and reward.

By embodying the teachings of this Hadith, we develop a mindset of surrender and contentment with the decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We learn to prioritize the pleasure of Allah over our own desires and hopes, recognizing that what we may not hope for could be a means of immense spiritual growth and reward. This mindset allows us to navigate the challenges of life with patience, resilience, and trust in Allah's wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for us as Muslims to prioritize the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over our own desires and hopes. It calls upon us to be closer to that which we do not hope for, recognizing that it may lead to spiritual growth and reward. By embodying this mindset, we strive to align our actions and intentions with the teachings of Islam, seeking the ultimate success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embrace His decree and prioritize His pleasure above all else.