Hadith #1132

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "Al-Amal ghurur al-hamqa." This Hadith emphasizes the deceptive nature of hopes and aspirations for those who lack wisdom and understanding. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this impactful saying in the light of the Quran.

The word "Amal" refers to hopes, aspirations, or expectations. It represents the desires and dreams that individuals hold in their hearts. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes these hopes as "ghurur," meaning delusions or deceptions. This implies that these aspirations can often lead people astray, causing them to lose sight of reality and become misguided.

To understand this concept further, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Yunus, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 10:48)

And they say, 'When is this promise, if you should be truthful?' Say, 'The knowledge is only with Allah, and I am only a clear warner'

This verse highlights the importance of relying on Allah's knowledge and not becoming consumed by our own hopes and desires. It reminds us that only Allah knows the true outcome of our endeavors, and we should place our trust in Him alone.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) narrates the story of the two men who had gardens, one of whom became arrogant due to his wealth and said, (Quran 18:35-36)

I do not think that this will perish - ever. And I do not think the Hour will occur. And even if I should be brought back to my Lord, I will surely find better than this as a return

This example serves as a warning against becoming deluded by worldly possessions and false hopes. It teaches us that our hopes should be directed towards the eternal rewards of the Hereafter, rather than the transient pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of having wisdom and understanding when it comes to our hopes and aspirations. It urges us to be cautious and not be deceived by our own desires. This does not mean that we should abandon all hopes and aspirations, but rather that we should align them with the teachings of Islam and the guidance of Allah.

For example, if someone hopes for success in their career, they should strive for it while adhering to the principles of Islam, such as honesty, integrity, and fairness. They should not allow their desires to lead them towards unethical or unlawful means of achieving their goals. By doing so, they ensure that their hopes are in line with the teachings of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ).

On the other hand, if someone hopes for forgiveness and mercy from Allah, they should engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and strive to purify their hearts. They should not rely solely on their hopes, but rather work towards earning the pleasure of Allah through righteous deeds. This aligns with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Asr, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 103:1-3)

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

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to approach their hopes and aspirations with wisdom and understanding. It cautions against being deceived by our desires and urges us to align our hopes with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can ensure that our hopes are not delusions but rather a means of seeking the pleasure of Allah and attaining success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all to the right path and grant us the wisdom to navigate through the complexities of life.