Hadith #1054

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he warns us to be cautious of the deceitful nature of hopes and desires. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by highlighting the consequences of placing excessive hope in the future. He says,

Be wary of the deceit of hopes, for many a person has hoped for a day that never came.

This serves as a reminder that we should not solely rely on our hopes and aspirations, as they may not materialize.

To further emphasize this point, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides examples of the consequences of misplaced hopes. He states,

and built a house that he never occupied and amassed wealth that he never used.

This highlights the futility of investing all our efforts and resources into material possessions, as they may not bring us the satisfaction and fulfillment we seek. It is a reminder that true contentment lies in the remembrance of Allah and in seeking His pleasure.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further warns that the wealth one accumulates may have been acquired unlawfully by depriving others of their rights. He says,

and it may be that he amassed it unlawfully by depriving others of their rights, thereby acquiring what is forbidden and carrying the burden of sin.

This serves as a reminder that we should be mindful of our actions and ensure that our wealth is earned through lawful means, in accordance with the teachings of Islam. The pursuit of wealth should not be at the expense of others' rights and well-being.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of moderation, contentment, and the avoidance of excessive attachment to worldly desires. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77),

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.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the pursuit of worldly gains at the expense of the Hereafter, saying,

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 reminds us to seek the blessings and sustenance from Allah, rather than relying solely on our own efforts and desires.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder to Muslims to be cautious of placing excessive hope in the future and to avoid becoming overly attached to worldly possessions. It calls upon us to prioritize the pursuit of the Hereafter and to ensure that our actions and wealth are acquired through lawful means. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the deceit of hopes and desires, and strive for a balanced and fulfilling life in accordance with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quran.