Hadith #1103

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

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

لاغارَّ أخْدَعُ مِنَ الأمَلِ۔

This can be translated into English as,

No deception is more misleading than hope.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (lagar) "لاغارَّ" in this Hadith refers to deception or deceit. It implies the act of misleading or deluding someone. The word (akhda'u) "أخْدَعُ" means more misleading or more deceptive. And finally, the word (al-amal) "الأمَلِ" translates to hope.

Hope is a powerful emotion that drives us to strive for betterment and success. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that hope can also be deceptive if it is not grounded in reality and righteousness. This Hadith highlights the importance of being cautious and discerning when it comes to our hopes and aspirations.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Yunus, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 10:65)

And let not their speech grieve you. Indeed, honor [due to power] belongs to Allah entirely. He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

This verse reminds us that true honor and power belong to Allah alone. It cautions us against being deceived by the false promises and allurements of this world.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 20:131)

And never extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.

This verse emphasizes that the temporary pleasures and attractions of this world should not deceive us, as they are merely a test from Allah. The true provision and sustenance come from Him alone.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of falling into the trap of false hopes and illusions. It urges us to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt, who are the epitome of knowledge and wisdom.

When we reflect on this Hadith, we realize that hope can be misleading when it is not accompanied by action, sincerity, and trust in Allah. It is not enough to simply hope for success or salvation without putting in the necessary effort and seeking Allah's guidance. We must align our hopes with the teachings of Islam and strive to fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us that hope can lead to complacency and negligence. When we become overly reliant on hope alone, we may neglect our duties and fail to take the necessary steps towards achieving our goals. True hope should be accompanied by action, perseverance, and trust in Allah's plan.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the deceptive nature of hope. It urges us to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt. True hope is not blind optimism, but rather a firm belief in Allah's mercy and a commitment to righteous actions. May Allah guide us all to the path of true hope and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.