Hadith #6128

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

نِعْمَ عَوْنُ الأمَلِ الطَّمَعُ۔

This can be translated as,

How good an aide of hope ambition is!

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (aide) "عَوْنُ" in this Hadith refers to something that supports, assists, or aids. It signifies the importance of having an ally or a helper in achieving one's goals. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the significance of hope and ambition as powerful aids in our journey towards success and fulfillment.

Hope, or "الأمَلِ" in Arabic, is a fundamental aspect of human nature. It is the belief that something good will happen in the future, and it provides us with the motivation and strength to persevere through challenges. The Quran beautifully emphasizes the importance of hope in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Yusuf (12:87), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.

This verse reminds us that hope in Allah's mercy and assistance is a characteristic of believers.

Ambition, or "الطَّمَعُ" in Arabic, refers to a strong desire to achieve success or attain a particular goal. It is the driving force that pushes us to strive for excellence and reach our full potential. The Quran encourages us to have noble ambitions and work hard to achieve them. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: 'My Lord! Cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit. And grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse demonstrates the importance of having ambitious goals and seeking Allah's support in attaining them.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us of the immense power that hope and ambition possess. When combined, they become a formidable force that propels us towards success and fulfillment. Hope keeps our hearts optimistic and our spirits resilient, while ambition fuels our determination and drives us to take action.

Let us reflect on the consequences of embracing hope and ambition in our lives. When we have hope, we are more likely to persevere through difficulties and setbacks. We maintain a positive outlook, knowing that Allah's mercy and assistance are always near. Ambition, on the other hand, pushes us to set high goals and work diligently towards achieving them. It motivates us to continuously improve ourselves and make a positive impact in the world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate hope and ambition in their hearts. By doing so, we tap into our inner potential and unlock the blessings and guidance that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. Let us strive to be people of hope and ambition, seeking Allah's pleasure in all that we do. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and determination to pursue our goals with unwavering faith and optimism.