Hadith #1101

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

نِعْمَ عَوْنُ العَمَلِ قَصْرُ الأمَلِ۔

This can be translated as,

The best assistance for action is curtailing hopes.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (assistance) "عَوْنُ" in this Hadith refers to the support and aid that one seeks in order to accomplish their actions. It implies seeking help and relying on external factors to achieve success. On the other hand, the word (curtailing) "قَصْرُ" means to limit or reduce something. In this context, it refers to curtailing or limiting one's hopes and expectations.

To understand the significance of curtailing hopes as the best assistance for action, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286,

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

This verse reminds us that Allah knows our capabilities and does not burden us with tasks beyond our capacity. When we have high hopes and expectations, we often burden ourselves with unnecessary stress and anxiety. By curtailing our hopes and aligning them with our capabilities, we can focus on taking practical steps towards achieving our goals.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 assistance and relying on His strength. When we place our trust in Allah and seek His guidance, we can find the strength to overcome challenges and achieve success. By curtailing our hopes and relying on Allah's support, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and seek His assistance in all our actions.

Curtailing hopes also helps us maintain a balanced perspective and avoid disappointment. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 23, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

In order that you may not grieve at the things that you fail to get, nor rejoice over that which has been given to you.

This verse reminds us not to become overly attached to our desires and expectations. When we have unrealistic hopes, we set ourselves up for disappointment and distress. By curtailing our hopes and accepting whatever Allah decrees for us, we find contentment and peace in our hearts.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the importance of being realistic and practical in our approach to action. It encourages us to set achievable goals and work diligently towards them, while relying on Allah's assistance. By curtailing our hopes, we avoid becoming overwhelmed or discouraged by setbacks and challenges. Instead, we remain focused and steadfast in our pursuit of excellence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best assistance for action is curtailing hopes. By limiting our expectations and aligning them with our capabilities, we can maintain a balanced perspective, seek Allah's assistance, and work towards our goals with determination and contentment. May Allah guide us in our actions and grant us the wisdom to curtail our hopes in accordance with His will.