Hadith #4763

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 progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ سَعى في طَلَبِ السَّرابِ طالَ تَعَبُهُ، وكَثُرَ عَطَشُهُ۔

This Hadith warns us about the consequences of striving for something that is illusory, like a mirage. It highlights the fact that such efforts only lead to prolonged hardship and increased thirst.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith by analyzing its key words. The word (sa'a) "سَعى" means to strive or exert effort. It implies putting in one's utmost energy and dedication towards a goal. (talab) "طَلَبِ" means seeking or pursuing. It signifies the act of actively searching for something. Finally, (as-sarab) "السَّرابِ" refers to a mirage, an optical illusion that appears as water in the desert but is actually nonexistent.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 11:

And among mankind is he who worships Allah on an edge. If he is touched by good, he is reassured by it; but if he is struck by trial, he turns on his face [to the other direction]. He has lost [this] world and the Hereafter. That is what is the manifest loss.

This verse highlights the danger of pursuing something that is fleeting and temporary, like a mirage. It warns us against being swayed by the allure of worldly desires and losing sight of the ultimate goal, which is the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that sheds light on the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 103:

Say, 'Shall we inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? Those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of directing our efforts towards what truly matters in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It cautions against being deceived by the illusion of success in this worldly life, while neglecting the pursuit of eternal rewards in the Hereafter.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. The mirage mentioned in the Hadith symbolizes the pursuit of worldly desires and materialistic goals that are ultimately empty and unfulfilling. Just like a mirage in the desert, these pursuits may appear attractive and promising from a distance, but upon closer inspection, they prove to be illusory and deceptive.

When we strive for such mirages, our efforts are in vain and our hardships are prolonged. We become trapped in a cycle of chasing after temporary pleasures and worldly achievements, which only lead to exhaustion and dissatisfaction. Our thirst for fulfillment and contentment increases as we continue to pursue these mirages, but they can never quench our spiritual thirst.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us against falling into this trap. He reminds us to prioritize our efforts and aspirations towards that which is lasting and meaningful in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Instead of striving for worldly mirages, we should strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the attainment of eternal rewards in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the goals they pursue in life. It urges us to prioritize our efforts towards that which is lasting and meaningful, rather than being deceived by the allure of temporary pleasures and worldly achievements. By aligning our aspirations with the teachings of the Quran, we can avoid the prolonged hardships and increased thirst that come from chasing after illusory mirages. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern between what is truly valuable and what is merely an illusion, and may He guide us on the path of righteousness and success.