Hadith #1063

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, "قَدْ تَكْذِبُ الآمالُ۔" This can be translated into English as "Hopes may beguile." Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (amal) "آمال" in Arabic refers to hopes or aspirations. It represents the desires and expectations that individuals hold in their hearts. Hopes can be a driving force for human beings, motivating them to strive for success and happiness. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that hopes can also deceive and mislead us.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the transient nature of this worldly life and the potential deception of our hopes. Allah says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly desires and the illusion they create. Our hopes and aspirations for material gain, wealth, and worldly success can often lead us astray from the true purpose of our existence. They can blind us to the reality of the Hereafter and divert our attention from seeking the pleasure of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be cautious and not be solely driven by our hopes and desires. We should not let our aspirations become a distraction from our ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah and seeking His pleasure. Instead, we should anchor our hopes in the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

Allah emphasizes the importance of relying on Him alone and seeking His guidance in Surah Al-Furqan (25:43),

Have you seen the one whose god is his own desire? Then would you be responsible for him?

This verse serves as a reminder that our desires and hopes should not become our gods. We should not let our aspirations dictate our actions without considering whether they align with the teachings of Islam. Instead, we should seek guidance from Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) to ensure that our hopes are in line with the principles of faith and righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the potential deception of their hopes. It urges us to evaluate our desires and aspirations in light of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By doing so, we can ensure that our hopes are grounded in the pursuit of righteousness and the pleasure of Allah, rather than being led astray by the transient and illusory nature of this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "Hopes may beguile" serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious and mindful of the potential deception of their hopes and aspirations. It urges us to anchor our hopes in the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. By doing so, we can ensure that our hopes are aligned with the principles of faith and righteousness, and ultimately lead us to the eternal success in the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the deception of our hopes.