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اَلْيَأسُ يُريحُ النَّفْسَ۔

Loss of hope [in others] comforts the soul.

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Loss of hope [in others] comforts the soul.

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Loss Of Hope)

Personal Reflection

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Loss of hope [in others] comforts the soul.

This short but profound statement holds deep wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their interactions with others.

The word (al-ya'su) "الْيَأْسُ" in Arabic refers to the loss of hope or despair. It is a state of feeling hopeless or giving up on something or someone. The word (yurīḥu) "يُرِيحُ" means to bring comfort or solace to the soul. So, the Hadith can be understood as saying that when one loses hope in others, it brings comfort to their soul.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Yusuf (12:87),

O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not losing hope in Allah's mercy and assistance. It teaches us that despair is a characteristic of those who do not believe in Allah. Muslims, on the other hand, should always maintain hope in Allah's help and support, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith complements this Quranic teaching by highlighting the importance of not placing excessive hope in others. While it is natural to seek support and assistance from our fellow human beings, relying solely on them can lead to disappointment and heartache. People are fallible and may not always live up to our expectations.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Anfal (8:49),

And when the believers saw the enemy, they said, 'This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us, and the promise of Allah and His Messenger has come true.' And this increased them only in faith and acceptance.

This verse highlights the unwavering faith of the believers in the face of adversity. They did not lose hope or despair when faced with a formidable enemy. Instead, their trust in Allah and His Messenger strengthened their resolve and increased their faith.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a similar mindset. It reminds us that relying too heavily on others for our happiness and well-being can lead to disappointment and despair. Instead, we should place our ultimate trust in Allah and seek comfort in His mercy and guidance.

By understanding the wisdom behind this Hadith, Muslims can cultivate a balanced approach to their relationships with others. While it is important to seek support and assistance from our fellow human beings, we should not become overly dependent on them. Our ultimate reliance should be on Allah, who is the source of all comfort and solace.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder of the knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of relationships allows us to benefit from his teachings even today. Muslims should strive to follow his example and seek guidance from his profound insights.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of not placing excessive hope in others. While seeking support from our fellow human beings is natural, relying solely on them can lead to disappointment and despair. Instead, we should place our ultimate trust in Allah and seek comfort in His mercy and guidance. By doing so, we can find solace and contentment in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us the wisdom to understand and implement this valuable lesson.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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