Hadith #6086

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

The Arabic phrase of the Hadith is "قَدْ تَتَجَهَّمُ المَطالِبُ", which translates to

At times the matters that are pursued are regarded with displeasure.

This statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the fact that there are instances when people strive for certain objectives or desires, but those pursuits may not be in accordance with the divine will and may displease Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216):

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse reminds us that our limited human understanding may lead us to desire things that are not beneficial for us in the long run. Allah's wisdom surpasses our own, and He knows what is truly best for us.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56):

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

This verse emphasizes that it is Allah who guides individuals towards the right path, and our own pursuits may not always align with His guidance. Therefore, it is essential for us to seek Allah's guidance and follow His decrees rather than blindly pursuing our own desires.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and reflective in their pursuits. It urges us to align our goals and aspirations with the teachings of Islam and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encourages us to evaluate our intentions and actions, ensuring that they are in accordance with the principles of righteousness and morality prescribed by Allah.

For instance, if someone is pursuing wealth or material possessions at the expense of their religious obligations, this Hadith reminds them that such pursuits may displease Allah. The pursuit of wealth should be balanced with fulfilling one's religious duties, giving to charity, and helping those in need. Similarly, if someone is pursuing worldly fame or recognition, they should ensure that their actions are guided by sincerity and humility, seeking the pleasure of Allah rather than seeking validation from others.

The consequences of disregarding this advice can be detrimental to both our worldly and spiritual lives. Pursuing matters that displease Allah can lead to a sense of emptiness, dissatisfaction, and spiritual decline. It can also result in negative consequences in this world, as Allah's blessings and guidance may be withdrawn from those who persistently pursue what is displeasing to Him.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to align our pursuits with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). We should seek knowledge and understanding of Islam to ensure that our pursuits are in line with the principles of righteousness and morality. By doing so, we can attain true success and fulfillment in both this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern between what is pleasing to Him and what is not. May He guide us in our pursuits and grant us success in this life and the hereafter. And may peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.