Hadith #11426

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 noble companions.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us to adorn ourselves with a sense of hopelessness in the possessions and worldly matters that people possess. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from their ill intentions and gain their affection.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this hadith to understand its significance and the lessons we can derive from it. The key words in this hadith are (adorn yourself with loss of hope) "تَحَلَّ بِالْيَأسِ" and (in that which people possess)

مِمّا في أيْدِي النّاسِ

The phrase "تَحَلَّ بِالْيَأسِ" can be understood as embracing a state of hopelessness or despair. It does not mean losing hope in Allah's mercy or His ability to provide sustenance and blessings. Rather, it refers to relinquishing our attachment and reliance on worldly possessions and the materialistic pursuits of others. It is a reminder to focus on the eternal and spiritual aspects of life, rather than being consumed by the temporary and fleeting nature of worldly possessions.

To support this understanding, we can turn to the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and highlights the futility of attaching our hearts to them. By adorning ourselves with a sense of hopelessness in these materialistic pursuits, we can free ourselves from the negative influences and malice that can arise from people's attachment to wealth and possessions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises that by adopting this mindset, we can safeguard ourselves from the ill intentions of others. When we are not driven by a desire for material gain, we become immune to the envy, jealousy, and malice that can arise from others who covet what we possess. By detaching ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of society, we can protect ourselves from the harm that can come from people's negative intentions.

The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63) provides support for this concept, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse highlights the importance of responding to negativity with peace and tranquility. When we are not attached to worldly possessions, we are less likely to be affected by the ill intentions of others. Instead, we can respond to negativity with kindness and patience, thereby fostering an atmosphere of love and affection.

By adopting this mindset, we can also acquire the affection of others. When people see that we are not driven by material gain and are content with what Allah has provided us, they are more likely to be attracted to our character and values. Our detachment from worldly possessions can inspire others to seek a higher purpose in life and prioritize spiritual growth over material accumulation.

The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56) beautifully captures this idea, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that it is ultimately Allah who guides people's hearts. By adorning ourselves with a sense of hopelessness in worldly possessions, we create an environment that is conducive to spiritual growth and attracts the affection of others. However, it is important to remember that true guidance comes from Allah alone, and it is He who determines the hearts of people.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of adorning ourselves with a sense of hopelessness in the materialistic pursuits of others. By detaching ourselves from worldly possessions, we can protect ourselves from the ill intentions of others and acquire their affection. This mindset aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and character development. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to embody the teachings of this hadith and guide us on the path of righteousness.