Hadith #1157

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

Mani yatakallam 'ala al-amaniyya, mata doona amalih.

This Hadith emphasizes the consequences of relying solely on one's aspirations and desires, without taking practical steps to achieve them. It warns that such reliance can lead to unfulfilled hopes and dreams, ultimately resulting in a wasted life.

To better understand the wise message of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word "yatakallam" comes from the root word "kalam," which means to speak or rely upon. Here, it signifies the act of relying or depending on something. "Al-amaniyya" refers to aspirations or hopes, while "mata" means to die or perish. Finally, "doona" means without or in the absence of, and "amalih" refers to one's actions or efforts.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of taking action and relying on Allah's guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the need for both a strong beginning and a successful end, which can only be achieved through a combination of reliance on Allah and taking practical steps towards our goals.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not only having faith but also engaging in righteous actions and encouraging one another towards truth and patience. It highlights the significance of taking practical steps towards our aspirations and goals, rather than relying solely on hope and wishful thinking.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be proactive in their pursuit of success and to avoid complacency. It encourages us to have faith in Allah's guidance while also recognizing the importance of our own efforts. Merely hoping for something without taking the necessary steps to achieve it can lead to disappointment and unfulfilled dreams.

For example, if a person aspires to become knowledgeable in a particular field, they must not only hope for it but also take practical steps such as seeking education, studying diligently, and seeking guidance from experts in that field. By combining their aspirations with consistent effort, they increase their chances of realizing their hopes and achieving success.

Similarly, in matters of faith, relying solely on aspirations without actively engaging in acts of worship and seeking knowledge can lead to spiritual stagnation. Muslims must strive to deepen their understanding of Islam, engage in acts of worship, and actively seek guidance from scholars and knowledgeable individuals. By combining their aspirations for spiritual growth with practical actions, they can ensure a meaningful and fulfilling journey of faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to not solely rely on their aspirations and hopes but to also take practical steps towards achieving their goals. It emphasizes the importance of combining faith in Allah's guidance with active effort and engagement. By doing so, Muslims can increase their chances of realizing their hopes and dreams, leading to a purposeful and fulfilling life. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to align our aspirations with righteous actions.