Hadith #1088

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The bane of hopes is the coming of death.

This impactful Hadith of the Commander of the Faithful highlights the ephemeral nature of this world and the transient nature of our hopes and aspirations. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (afaat) "آفَةُ" in the Hadith refers to a calamity or a destructive element. It signifies something that brings harm or ruin. The word (al-amal) "الآمالِ" refers to hopes or aspirations, which are the desires and expectations that we hold in our hearts. And finally, the word (hudur) "حُضُورُ" means the arrival or coming of something.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115),

Did you then think that We had created you in jest (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us (for account)?

This verse reminds us that our existence in this world is not without purpose. We have been created for a greater reason, and our ultimate destination is to return to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of this worldly life and highlights the true everlasting life that awaits us in the Hereafter.

When we reflect upon these Quranic verses, we realize that our hopes and aspirations in this world are limited by the reality of death. Death is an inevitable reality that awaits every soul, and it serves as a reminder that our time in this world is fleeting. Our hopes and dreams, no matter how grand they may be, will ultimately be extinguished by the arrival of death.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the fact that placing excessive reliance on our worldly hopes can lead to disappointment and despair. We must not become so engrossed in our aspirations for this world that we forget the ultimate purpose of our existence and neglect the preparation for the Hereafter.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for us to prioritize our spiritual growth and focus on building a strong relationship with Allah. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world and instead invest in actions that will benefit us in the eternal life to come.

When we internalize the message of this Hadith, it motivates us to strive for righteousness and seek the pleasure of Allah. It reminds us to be mindful of our actions and intentions, knowing that our time in this world is limited. It encourages us to make the most of our opportunities and to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge, good deeds, and acts of worship.

The consequences of neglecting the message of this Hadith are grave. If we become consumed by our worldly hopes and desires, we risk losing sight of our true purpose and falling into a state of heedlessness. This can lead to a life filled with regret and disappointment, as we realize that our hopes and aspirations were in vain.

On the other hand, if we heed the wisdom of this Hadith and align our hopes and aspirations with the teachings of the Quran, we can find true contentment and fulfillment. By recognizing the temporary nature of this world and focusing on the eternal life to come, we can live a life of purpose and meaning.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and prepare for the Hereafter. It highlights the transient nature of our hopes and aspirations in this world and emphasizes the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come. May Allah guide us all to live a life that is pleasing to Him and grant us success in both this world and the Hereafter.