Hadith #11430

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

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

مَنْ أَيِسَ مِنْ شَيْء سَلا عَنْهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who loses hope in a thing forgets about it.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran. The word (ayisa) "أَيِسَ" means to lose hope or to despair. It signifies a state of giving up, feeling helpless, and believing that something is impossible to achieve. The word (shay') "شَيْء" refers to a thing or matter. And the word (sala) "سَلا" means to forget or to neglect.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of hope, perseverance, and trust in His infinite power and mercy. He encourages us to never lose hope and to always turn to Him for guidance and assistance. Allah says in Surah Yusuf, verse 87:

(Quran 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 highlights the significance of maintaining hope and trust in Allah's help, even in the most challenging situations. It reminds us that despair is a characteristic of those who deny the existence and power of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that losing hope in any matter leads to forgetting about it. When we give up on something, we no longer put in the effort or seek solutions. This can have detrimental consequences in various aspects of our lives, including our faith, relationships, and personal growth.

For instance, if a Muslim loses hope in seeking forgiveness from Allah for their sins, they may neglect repentance and continue to engage in sinful behavior. This forgetfulness of seeking forgiveness can distance them from the path of righteousness and hinder their spiritual growth.

Similarly, if a Muslim loses hope in resolving conflicts within their family or community, they may neglect efforts to reconcile and bridge the gaps. This forgetfulness of seeking resolution can lead to further divisions and animosity, weakening the bonds of unity and love.

In another example, if a Muslim loses hope in achieving their goals and aspirations, they may neglect the necessary steps and perseverance required to attain success. This forgetfulness of striving can hinder their personal development and limit their potential.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a motivation for Muslims to never lose hope, regardless of the challenges they face. It encourages us to remember that Allah's mercy and assistance are always available to those who seek it sincerely. By maintaining hope and actively working towards our goals, we can overcome obstacles and achieve success in this life and the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of never losing hope in any matter. It reminds us that despair leads to forgetfulness and neglect. By relying on Allah's guidance and mercy, we can overcome challenges and achieve success in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us the strength to always maintain hope and trust in Him.