Hadith #1119

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

أطْوَلُ النَّاسِ أمَلاً أسْوَئُهُمْ عَمَلاً۔

This can be translated as,

Those who have the longest hopes are the ones whose deeds are the worst.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (Atwal) "أطْوَلُ" in the Hadith refers to those individuals who have the longest hopes or aspirations. It signifies individuals who have high expectations and desires for worldly gains, success, and pleasures. These people are constantly chasing after materialistic pursuits, seeking fulfillment and satisfaction in worldly possessions and achievements.

On the other hand, the word (Aswaa) "أسْوَئُ" in the Hadith means the worst or most evil. It refers to the quality of their deeds, indicating that despite their lofty hopes and aspirations, their actions are filled with corruption, immorality, and disobedience to Allah's commands. Their deeds are tainted with sins, injustice, and disregard for the rights of others.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:81),

And say: 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly pursuits and the ultimate futility of placing excessive hopes and desires in them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

These verses from the Quran highlight the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the Hereafter. The individuals described in the Hadith are consumed by their desires for worldly gains, neglecting the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteous deeds. Their actions are driven by selfishness, greed, and a lack of concern for the well-being of others.

The consequences of having long hopes and engaging in evil deeds are severe. In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:103-104), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us through this Hadith that our hopes and aspirations should be directed towards the Hereafter, seeking the pleasure of Allah and the eternal rewards that await us. We should strive to perform righteous deeds, guided by the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should ask ourselves: Are our hopes and aspirations aligned with the teachings of Islam? Are our actions in accordance with the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness? Are we prioritizing the pursuit of worldly gains over the pursuit of spiritual growth and the development of our character?

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to have sincere and righteous hopes, and may He grant us the ability to perform good deeds that are pleasing to Him. May we strive to be among those whose hopes are focused on the Hereafter, and whose deeds are a reflection of our faith and devotion to Allah.