Hadith #499

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

آفَةُ الآمالِ حُضُورُ الآجالِ۔

This can be translated as,

The bane of aspirations is the coming of death.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (bane) "آفَةُ" refers to something harmful or destructive. (aspirations) "الآمالِ" signifies the hopes, dreams, and desires that individuals have in their lives. And (the coming of death) "حُضُورُ الآجالِ" refers to the inevitable reality that every human being will face - the end of their worldly existence.

To understand the profoundness of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64),

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 reminds us that the worldly life is temporary and fleeting, filled with distractions and fleeting pleasures. Our true abode is the Hereafter, which is eternal and everlasting.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:99-100), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.

These verses highlight the regret that individuals may experience when faced with the reality of death. They wish for more time to fulfill their aspirations and rectify their actions. However, it is a futile desire, as death is a barrier that cannot be crossed once it arrives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in his profound wisdom, reminds us of the detrimental nature of harboring excessive aspirations in this worldly life. While it is natural for individuals to have dreams and goals, it is important to remember that our ultimate purpose lies beyond this transient existence. The pursuit of worldly aspirations should not overshadow our preparation for the eternal life in the Hereafter.

When we become too engrossed in our aspirations, we may lose sight of the true purpose of our existence - to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure. We may become attached to worldly possessions, status, and achievements, neglecting our spiritual growth and the development of our relationship with Allah.

The consequences of being consumed by our aspirations can be detrimental. We may become blinded by our desires, leading us to engage in unethical or immoral actions to achieve our goals. We may neglect our duties towards our families, communities, and most importantly, our Creator. Moreover, when death approaches, we may be filled with regret for not utilizing our time and resources in a way that pleases Allah and benefits our souls.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded to strike a balance between our worldly aspirations and our spiritual obligations. We should strive for success in this life, but not at the expense of our eternal salvation. Our aspirations should be aligned with the teachings of Islam and focused on benefiting ourselves and others in a way that pleases Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the detrimental nature of excessive aspirations in this worldly life. By reflecting on the transient nature of this existence and the inevitability of death, we are encouraged to prioritize our spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness. May Allah guide us to strike a balance between our aspirations and our obligations, and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.