Hadith #1131

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 hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الأمانيُّ بَضائِعُ النَّوْكى۔" This can be translated as,

Aspirations are the wares of the unintelligent.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this hadith.

The term "الأمانيُّ" refers to aspirations or desires. It encompasses the hopes, dreams, and ambitions that individuals hold in their hearts. These aspirations can be both positive and negative, depending on their nature and the intentions behind them. The word "بَضائِعُ" means wares or merchandise, which implies that aspirations are like commodities that people possess and trade.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to shed light on the deeper meaning of this hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 reminds us that our aspirations and desires alone are not enough to attain guidance and success. It is Allah who guides whom He wills, based on His infinite knowledge and wisdom.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse emphasizes that our aspirations should be within the limits set by Allah. We should not burden ourselves with unrealistic or harmful desires that go against our capabilities and the guidance of Allah.

Reflecting on the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that it serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their aspirations. It highlights the importance of aligning our desires with the teachings of Islam and seeking guidance from Allah. Aspirations that are rooted in ignorance or lack of understanding can lead to detrimental consequences.

For example, if someone aspires for wealth and success without considering the ethical and moral implications, they may engage in dishonest practices or exploit others. This not only harms society but also tarnishes their own character. On the other hand, if someone aspires for knowledge, righteousness, and the pleasure of Allah, their aspirations will lead them towards personal growth, positive contributions to society, and spiritual fulfillment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith urges Muslims to reflect on the quality of their aspirations and to seek knowledge and guidance in order to make wise choices. It reminds us that true intelligence lies in aligning our aspirations with the teachings of Islam and seeking the pleasure of Allah. By doing so, we can ensure that our aspirations are not mere commodities, but rather a means to attain success and fulfillment in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to purify our aspirations and seek His guidance in all that we do. May He bless us with the ability to align our desires with the teachings of Islam and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.