Hadith #1102

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا تَغُرَّنَّكَ الأمانيُّ والخُدَعُ، فَكفى بِذلِكَ خُرْقاً۔

This Hadith carries a impactful message that warns us against being deceived by our own desires and the deceitful tactics of others. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (amani) "أمانيُّ" refers to aspirations, hopes, or wishes that we hold in our hearts. These aspirations can sometimes lead us astray if they are not aligned with the guidance of Allah. The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 43:

Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire? Then would you be responsible for him?

This verse emphasizes the danger of allowing our desires to become our guiding principles, as it leads to deviation from the path of righteousness.

The word (khuda) "خُدَعُ" refers to deceit, trickery, or deception. It warns us against falling prey to the cunning tactics of others who may try to mislead us. The Quran repeatedly warns against deception and deceitful individuals. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 54, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And they schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers.

This verse highlights that while people may plot and deceive, Allah is the ultimate planner and His wisdom prevails over all.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to be deceived by these aspirations and ploys, for they lead to nothing but ineptness. The word (khurq) "خُرْقاً" refers to ineptness, failure, or disappointment. When we allow our desires to cloud our judgment or fall victim to the deceitful tactics of others, we are likely to make decisions that are not in our best interest. This can lead to failure, disappointment, and regret.

To illustrate the consequences of being deceived by aspirations and ploys, let us reflect on the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in the Quran. Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was a young man who faced numerous trials and temptations. One of these trials was when he was seduced by the wife of his master. Despite her persistent advances, Yusuf remained steadfast in his faith and rejected her advances. This is a prime example of not being deceived by the desires of the self, as Yusuf prioritized his faith and integrity over temporary gratification. As a result, he was eventually rewarded by Allah and elevated to a position of power and honor.

Similarly, the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the sorcerers of Pharaoh serves as a powerful example of not falling for deceitful tactics. When Musa confronted the sorcerers with his miracles, they were initially deceived by Pharaoh's promises and threats. However, when they witnessed the truth and power of Musa's message, they immediately recognized their folly and embraced the path of righteousness. This demonstrates the importance of staying vigilant and not being swayed by the deceptive tactics of those who oppose the truth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious and not be deceived by their own desires or the deceitful tactics of others. By aligning our aspirations with the guidance of Allah and remaining steadfast in the face of deception, we can avoid ineptness and attain success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and protect us from the pitfalls of deception.