Hadith #7637

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us to be cautious and vigilant in four aspects of our lives: bad deeds, deceptive aspirations, loss of hope, and the sudden coming of death.

Firstly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against the dangers of bad deeds. This encompasses all actions that go against the teachings of Islam and lead to spiritual and moral corruption. The Quran emphasizes the importance of good deeds and warns against the consequences of evil actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:102-103):

Then those whose scales are heavy [with good deeds], it is they who are the successful. But those whose scales are light - those are the ones who have lost their souls, [being] in Hell, abiding eternally.

Secondly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us about deceptive aspirations. These are desires and ambitions that may appear attractive and promising, but in reality, they lead us away from the path of righteousness. The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20):

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

Thirdly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be cautious of losing hope. This refers to the despair and hopelessness that can overcome a person during difficult times. The Quran repeatedly encourages us to have faith and hope in Allah's mercy and assistance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Az-Zumar (39:53):

Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the sudden coming of death. Death is a reality that can occur at any moment, and we must always be prepared for it. The Quran emphasizes the certainty of death and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:57):

Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand the importance of being mindful of our actions, aspirations, and the uncertainty of life. It serves as a reminder to constantly strive for good deeds, to be cautious of worldly desires that may lead us astray, to never lose hope in Allah's mercy, and to always be prepared for the inevitable reality of death.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, which is evident in his teachings and guidance. His words serve as a beacon of light for Muslims, guiding us towards the path of righteousness and reminding us of our ultimate purpose in this world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to heed the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and to live our lives in accordance with the teachings of the Quran. May He protect us from bad deeds, deceptive aspirations, loss of hope, and the sudden coming of death. Ameen.