Hadith #10741

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The worst person is he who has lengthy aspirations and does evil deeds.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (tawil) "طَوِيلُ" refers to having lengthy or excessive aspirations. It signifies a person who constantly desires and pursues worldly gains and pleasures, without considering the consequences or the limits set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Such a person becomes engrossed in their desires and loses sight of their true purpose in life.

On the other hand, the word (sayyi') "سَيِّئُ" means evil or bad deeds. It encompasses any action that goes against the teachings of Islam and leads to harm, both for oneself and for others. It includes acts of dishonesty, injustice, immorality, and any behavior that distances one from the path of righteousness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Asr, Chapter 103, Verse 2-3:

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of righteous actions and the guidance of truth. It highlights that the true success lies in having faith in Allah and performing good deeds. Therefore, the worst person, as mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), is the one who indulges in worldly desires and neglects their responsibilities towards Allah and their fellow human beings.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, Chapter 28, Verse 77:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual obligations. While it is natural to seek a comfortable life, we must not forget our ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter. We should strive to do good deeds and avoid any actions that lead to corruption or harm in society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of having lengthy aspirations and engaging in evil deeds. Such a person becomes trapped in a cycle of materialistic pursuits, losing sight of their spiritual growth and the well-being of others. Their actions not only harm themselves but also contribute to the deterioration of society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded to prioritize our spiritual development and the betterment of our character. We should strive to align our aspirations with the teachings of Islam and engage in acts of kindness, justice, and compassion. By doing so, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the well-being of our communities and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and protect us from falling into the trap of worldly desires and evil deeds. Ameen.