Hadith #1110

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الأمانيُّ أشتاتٌ۔" which translates to

Aspirations are scattered [and dispersed].

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds profound wisdom and provides valuable insight into the nature of human desires and ambitions.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (amani) "أماني" refers to aspirations, dreams, or desires that individuals hold within their hearts. These aspirations can encompass various aspects of life, such as personal goals, material possessions, or spiritual growth. The word (ishtaat) "أشتات" means scattered or dispersed, indicating that these aspirations are not concentrated or focused.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Isra (17:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Man prays for evil as he prays for good, and man is ever hasty.

This verse highlights the tendency of human beings to have scattered desires, often seeking both good and evil without proper discernment. Our aspirations can be driven by impatience, lack of clarity, or the influence of worldly distractions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:84), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Whoever desires the immediate - We hasten for him from it what We will to whom We intend. Then We have made for him Hell, which he will [enter to] burn, censured and banished.

This verse warns against pursuing immediate gratification without considering the consequences. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our aspirations with the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the scattered nature of their aspirations. It urges us to evaluate the motivations behind our desires and seek alignment with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). When our aspirations are scattered, we may find ourselves pursuing conflicting goals or engaging in actions that are not in line with our true purpose in life.

The consequences of scattered aspirations can be detrimental to our spiritual growth and overall well-being. When we chase after numerous desires without a clear focus, we become susceptible to distractions, temptations, and the influence of our lower selves. This can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction, restlessness, and a lack of fulfillment in our lives.

On the other hand, when we align our aspirations with the teachings of Islam and prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), our desires become more focused and purposeful. We develop a sense of clarity, contentment, and inner peace. By seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives, we can channel our aspirations towards actions that bring us closer to Him and benefit both ourselves and society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-awareness, introspection, and aligning our aspirations with the teachings of Islam. It calls upon us to evaluate the scattered nature of our desires and strive for a more focused and purposeful approach to life. By seeking knowledge, understanding, and guidance from the Quran, we can cultivate a sense of direction and prioritize our ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to align our aspirations with His will and bless us with success in this life and the Hereafter.