Hadith #8554

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who reflects on the majesty of Allah loses hope.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the immense greatness and magnificence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (tafakkara) "تَفَكَّرَ" in Arabic means to contemplate, ponder, or reflect. It signifies a deep and thoughtful analysis of a subject matter. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to engage in profound reflection on the greatness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, one gains a deeper understanding of the divine attributes and the infinite power of the Creator.

The term (‘azamati) "عَظَمَةِ" refers to the majesty, grandeur, and greatness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses His infinite knowledge, wisdom, mercy, and authority. Reflecting on the magnificence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) leads to a profound realization of His limitless power and sovereignty over all creation.

The Hadith suggests that when one truly comprehends the greatness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), it can have a profound impact on their state of mind. It states that such reflection can lead to a loss of hope. This does not mean despair or hopelessness, but rather a realization of one's own insignificance and complete reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes His greatness and the insignificance of human beings in comparison. For example, in Surah Al-An'am (6:103), Allah says,

No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision. He is the Subtle, the Acquainted.

This verse highlights the incomprehensibility of Allah's greatness and the limitations of human understanding.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88:17-20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Then is it to be expected of you, if ye were put in authority, that ye will do mischief in the land, and break your ties of kith and kin? Such are the men whom Allah has cursed for He has made them deaf and blinded their sight.

This verse reminds us that Allah's authority is absolute, and it is a reminder of our own limitations and accountability before Him.

When one reflects deeply on the greatness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), it humbles the individual and reminds them of their own weaknesses and shortcomings. It instills a sense of awe and reverence for the Creator, and a recognition of our complete dependence on Him. This reflection can lead to a loss of hope in one's own abilities, achievements, and worldly pursuits, as they pale in comparison to the majesty of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

However, this loss of hope is not a negative outcome. It is a transformative experience that redirects our focus towards seeking Allah's mercy, guidance, and forgiveness. It encourages us to place our trust in Him alone and to strive for righteousness and obedience. It reminds us that true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than worldly pursuits.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the greatness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This reflection leads to a profound realization of our own insignificance and complete reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It redirects our focus towards seeking Allah's mercy and guidance, and it encourages us to place our trust in Him alone. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to reflect deeply on His greatness and to seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.