Hadith #1048

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 (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

الأمل يقرب المنية، ويباعد الأمنية

which translates to

Hope brings death closer and takes aspiration further away.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the delicate balance between hope and aspiration in the life of a Muslim.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words used. The word (amal) "أمل" refers to hope or expectation, while (muniyyah) "منية" means death. On the other hand, (amniyyah) "أمنية" refers to aspiration or ambition. These words carry significant weight in the context of this Hadith.

The Quran provides us with guidance on the concept of hope and aspiration. In Surah Yusuf (12:87), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 hope and trust in Allah's mercy and assistance, even in the face of difficult circumstances.

However, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that excessive hope can have negative consequences. It states that hope brings death closer, indicating that excessive attachment to worldly desires and aspirations can distract us from preparing for the inevitable end of our lives. It is a reminder that our ultimate goal should be to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to focus on the eternal life in the hereafter.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of balancing our worldly ambitions with our spiritual aspirations. While it is natural to have goals and aspirations in this life, we should not let them consume us to the point where we neglect our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The pursuit of worldly desires should not overshadow our ultimate goal of attaining paradise and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Did you think that We created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?

This verse reminds us of the purpose of our existence and the need to prioritize our spiritual journey over worldly pursuits.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect on their priorities and strike a balance between their worldly ambitions and their spiritual aspirations. It urges us to be mindful of the transient nature of this world and to focus on preparing for the eternal life to come.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of balancing hope and aspiration in our lives. While hope is essential for our well-being and motivation, excessive attachment to worldly desires can distract us from our ultimate purpose. We should strive to strike a balance between our worldly ambitions and our spiritual growth, always keeping in mind the transient nature of this world and the eternal life that awaits us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize our spiritual journey and guide us to the path of righteousness.