Hadith #4429

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a profound reminder for all Muslims when faced with disappointment or unfulfilled desires. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (what you want) "ما تُريدُ" and (do not fret) "لا تُبَلْ". The word "ما" indicates a general desire or wish, encompassing all aspects of life. It could refer to material possessions, personal achievements, or even spiritual aspirations. "تُريدُ" is derived from the root word "رَادَ" which means to desire or want. It implies a strong longing or craving for something.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us that when our desires are not fulfilled, we should not "تُبَلْ" or fret about how we were. The word "تُبَلْ" is derived from the root word "بَلَىٰ" which means to be concerned, worried, or distressed. It signifies a state of anxiety or discontentment when our wishes are not realized.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216:

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse highlights the limited nature of our knowledge and understanding compared to the infinite wisdom of Allah. Sometimes, what we desire may not be in our best interest, and what we dislike may actually be beneficial for us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 68, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And your Lord creates what He wills and chooses; not for them was the choice. Exalted is Allah and high above what they associate with Him.

This verse emphasizes the sovereignty and absolute authority of Allah in determining the course of events in our lives. Our desires may not align with His divine plan, and it is our duty to submit to His decree with patience and trust.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to be content and satisfied with the decree of Allah, even when our wishes are not fulfilled. This does not mean that we should abandon our aspirations or stop striving for excellence. Rather, it is a reminder to accept the outcome with grace and humility, recognizing that Allah's wisdom surpasses our limited understanding.

When we reflect on this Hadith, we realize that it carries profound implications for our spiritual growth and development. It teaches us to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and reliance on Allah, acknowledging that He knows what is best for us. By surrendering our desires to His will, we free ourselves from the shackles of disappointment and discontentment.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the exemplary knowledge possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the Quran and his unwavering faith in Allah's decree enabled him to impart timeless wisdom to the Muslim ummah. As Muslims, we should strive to emulate his teachings and seek solace in the divine wisdom of the Quran.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be patient and content when our desires are not fulfilled. It urges us to trust in Allah's wisdom and accept His decree with grace. By aligning our will with His, we can find peace and tranquility in every situation. May Allah grant us the strength to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and to submit to His divine plan.