Hadith #1147

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,

مَنِ اسْتَعانَ بِالأمانيِّ أفْلَسَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who seeks support from his aspirations becomes penniless.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ista'an) "استعان" in the Hadith refers to seeking support or assistance. It implies relying on something or someone for help. In this context, it signifies seeking support from one's aspirations or desires. The word (al-amani) "الأماني" refers to aspirations or wishes. It encompasses the hopes and dreams that individuals have for their future.

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

And man prays for evil as he ought to pray for good, for man is ever hasty.

This verse highlights the tendency of human beings to hastily desire and seek what may not be beneficial for them. It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah rather than relying solely on our own aspirations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

Indeed, you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes the fact that true guidance comes from Allah alone. Relying solely on our aspirations and desires can lead us astray, as our limited knowledge and understanding may not align with the divine wisdom and guidance of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us against relying solely on our aspirations. By seeking support from our desires, we may become penniless in the true sense. This does not necessarily refer to material poverty, but rather to the emptiness and dissatisfaction that can arise when our aspirations are not aligned with the guidance of Allah.

When we prioritize our own aspirations over the guidance of Allah, we may find ourselves chasing temporary and worldly desires that do not bring true fulfillment. We may become trapped in a cycle of constantly seeking more, never finding contentment or inner peace. This can lead to a sense of spiritual poverty and a disconnection from the true purpose of our existence.

To avoid falling into this trap, we must align our aspirations with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of Allah. We should seek His support and guidance in all aspects of our lives, recognizing that true success and fulfillment lie in following His path. As Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186),

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to seek support and guidance from Allah rather than relying solely on their own aspirations. By aligning our desires with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of Allah, we can avoid the spiritual poverty that arises from chasing worldly aspirations. May Allah grant us the wisdom to seek His support and guidance in all aspects of our lives.