Hadith #1071

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

كَمْ مِنْ مَخْدُوع بِالأمَلِ مُضَيِّع لِلْعَمَلِ۔

This Hadith is a profound reminder of the dangers of being deceived by false hopes and the subsequent waste of one's actions.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (makhdu') "مَخْدُوع" refers to someone who is deceived or deluded. It signifies a person who is led astray from the right path due to their misplaced hopes and expectations. The word (bil-amal) "بِالأمَلِ" means "by hopes" or "through hopes." It highlights the means through which individuals become deceived - by placing their hopes in false promises or unrealistic expectations. Lastly, the word (mudayyia) "مُضَيِّع" means wasting or squandering. It emphasizes the outcome of being deluded by hopes, which is the loss or waste of one's actions.

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

Say, 'Shall We inform you of the greatest losers in respect of [their] deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds.'

This verse echoes the message of Imam Ali's Hadith, emphasizing the consequences of being deluded by false hopes. Many individuals may engage in actions, believing that they are doing good, but in reality, their efforts are in vain. They are deceived by their own hopes and expectations, leading to the squandering of their actions.

Another verse that sheds light on this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 116:

So exalted is Allah, the True Sovereign. There is no deity except Him, Lord of the Noble Throne. And whoever invokes besides Allah another deity for which he has no proof - then his account is only with his Lord. Indeed, the disbelievers will not succeed.

This verse reminds us of the importance of placing our hopes and trust solely in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we rely on anything or anyone other than Allah, we risk being deluded and wasting our actions. True success lies in recognizing Allah as the only source of guidance and relying on Him alone.

Imam Ali's Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of falling into the trap of false hopes and expectations. It urges us to evaluate our intentions and actions, ensuring that they are aligned with the teachings of Islam and rooted in sincere devotion to Allah. By doing so, we can avoid being deceived and wasting our efforts.

For instance, consider a person who engages in acts of worship, such as praying, fasting, and giving charity. However, if their intention is solely to gain recognition or praise from others, their actions become tainted and lose their true value. They become deluded by the hope of worldly validation, and as a result, their actions are wasted.

On the other hand, a person who performs the same acts of worship with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure and obeying His commandments will find their actions rewarded and accepted. Their hopes are directed towards the eternal rewards promised by Allah, and their actions bear fruit in this life and the hereafter.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of being deluded by false hopes. It highlights the consequences of wasting one's actions and emphasizes the importance of aligning our intentions with the teachings of Islam. By placing our hopes solely in Allah and seeking His pleasure, we can ensure that our actions are meaningful and rewarded. May Allah protect us from being deceived by false hopes and guide us to sincere and fruitful actions.