Hadith #6084

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ طَلَبَ ما لايَكُونُ ضَيَّعَ مَطْلَبَهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who seeks that which is impossible loses his quest.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom contained within this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (talaba) "طَلَبَ", which means "to seek" or "to strive for," and (dayya'a) "ضَيَّعَ", which means "to lose" or "to waste." Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising us that if we pursue something that is unattainable or beyond our reach, we will ultimately fail in our endeavor and lose what we are seeking.

This guidance from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and striving for what is within our capabilities. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says,

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

This verse reminds us that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, never imposes upon us tasks that are impossible to fulfill. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to seek what is attainable and within our capacity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah states,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in our endeavors. By seeking what is within our reach and relying on Allah's assistance, we can ensure a successful outcome.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that we should not waste our time and energy pursuing unrealistic goals or desires. Instead, we should focus our efforts on endeavors that are achievable and beneficial. By doing so, we can avoid disappointment, frustration, and the loss of valuable resources.

For example, if someone aspires to become a renowned scholar without putting in the necessary effort to acquire knowledge and develop their skills, they will likely fail in their pursuit. Similarly, if someone aims to accumulate wealth without engaging in lawful means of earning and managing their finances, they will ultimately face financial ruin. These examples illustrate how seeking the unattainable can lead to loss and disappointment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wisdom in this Hadith extends beyond the material realm. It also applies to our spiritual journey. If we strive for a level of piety and closeness to Allah that is beyond our current capabilities, we may become overwhelmed and discouraged. Instead, we should focus on gradual improvement and consistent effort, seeking Allah's guidance and forgiveness along the way.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of setting realistic goals and striving for what is within our reach. By aligning our pursuits with the teachings of the Quran and seeking Allah's guidance, we can avoid wasting our efforts and experiencing disappointment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek what is attainable and beneficial, and protect us from pursuing the unattainable.