Hadith #1125

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أكْذَبُ شيْء اَلأمَلُ۔" This is translated into English as,

The most delusive thing is hope.

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

The word (amal) "أمَلُ" in Arabic refers to hope or aspiration. It is a feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen. Hope can be a powerful motivator, driving individuals to strive for success and overcome challenges. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes it as the "most delusive thing," implying that it can be deceptive and misleading.

To understand the deeper meaning of this statement, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) provides guidance on the concept of hope. In Surah Yusuf, Allah says, (Quran 12:87)

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

This verse highlights that despairing of Allah's mercy and losing hope is a characteristic of those who reject faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hijr, Allah says, (Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

This verse assures us that Allah is always near and responsive to our supplications. It instills hope in the hearts of believers, reminding them that their prayers are heard and answered.

So, how can hope be the "most delusive thing" if it is encouraged in the Quran? Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the danger of placing excessive reliance on hope without taking action. Hope alone, without sincere efforts and reliance on Allah, can lead to complacency and inaction. It can deceive individuals into thinking that their desires will be fulfilled without any effort on their part.

To illustrate this, let us consider the example of a student who hopes to excel in their exams. Merely hoping for success without putting in the necessary effort to study and prepare will not yield the desired results. Similarly, in matters of faith, hoping for forgiveness and salvation without striving to fulfill our religious obligations and seeking Allah's mercy through sincere repentance is a delusion.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that while hope is important, it must be accompanied by action and reliance on Allah. We should strive to align our hopes and aspirations with the teachings of Islam, seeking Allah's pleasure and working towards our goals with sincerity and dedication.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

The most delusive thing is hope,

emphasizes the need for balance and action in our lives. Hope should not lead to complacency or inaction, but rather motivate us to work diligently while relying on Allah's guidance and mercy. May Allah grant us the wisdom to understand the true essence of hope and guide us on the path of righteousness.