Hadith #1096

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May 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,

ما أفْسَدَ الأمَلَ لِلْعَمَلِ۔

This can be translated as,

How corrupting is hope for deeds!

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative impact that excessive hope or reliance on one's deeds can have on a person's spiritual journey.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and concepts mentioned. The word (afsada) "أفْسَدَ" means to corrupt, spoil, or ruin. It implies that excessive hope can have a detrimental effect on the sincerity and purity of one's actions. The word (al-amal) "الأمَلَ" refers to hope or expectation, specifically in the context of one's deeds or actions. It signifies the anticipation of reward or success based on one's righteous acts.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 103: (Quran 18:103)

Say, 'Shall We inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? Those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work.'

This verse cautions against the illusion of self-righteousness and highlights the danger of being deluded by one's own actions, which can lead to spiritual ruin.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 117, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (Quran 18:110)

And whoever should hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing righteous deeds with the pure intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah alone, rather than relying solely on the hope of reward or recognition.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that while hope is a natural and necessary aspect of our faith, it should not overshadow the sincerity and purity of our actions. Excessive hope can lead to arrogance, complacency, and a sense of entitlement, which can corrupt the essence of our deeds. Instead, our focus should be on the sincerity of our intentions, the quality of our actions, and the continuous improvement of our character.

For instance, if a person performs acts of worship solely for the sake of being praised by others or to attain worldly gains, their actions become corrupted by their ulterior motives. On the other hand, if a person performs acts of worship sincerely for the sake of Allah, seeking His pleasure and closeness, their deeds remain pure and untainted.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder that our deeds alone cannot guarantee salvation or success in the Hereafter. It is the mercy and grace of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that ultimately determines our fate. As mentioned in Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 47: (Quran 21:47)

We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least. And if there be [even] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as Reckoners.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying in this Hadith reminds us of the importance of sincerity and purity in our actions. While hope is an integral part of our faith, excessive reliance on our deeds can corrupt their essence. We should strive to perform righteous acts with pure intentions, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. May Allah guide us to the path of sincerity and righteousness, and protect us from the corruption of excessive hope.