Hadith #1057

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against relying solely on our hopes and desires, as this is a characteristic of foolish individuals. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (amal) "آمال" in the Hadith refers to hopes or aspirations. It signifies the expectations and desires that individuals hold in their hearts. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us against placing excessive trust in these hopes, as it can lead to foolishness and a neglect of reality.

To understand the wisdom behind this advice, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Yunus, verse 23, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But when He saves them, at once they commit injustice upon the earth without right. O mankind, your injustice is only against yourselves, [being merely] the enjoyment of worldly life. Then to Us is your return, and We will inform you of what you used to do.

This verse highlights the tendency of human beings to become complacent and unjust when their hopes and desires are fulfilled. They may indulge in wrongdoing, forgetting that their actions have consequences and that they will be held accountable for their deeds. Relying solely on hopes without considering the consequences can lead to a disregard for moral principles and a neglect of one's responsibilities.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that while hopes and desires may be natural and necessary, they should not become the sole focus of our lives. Material possessions and worldly achievements are temporary and fleeting, whereas the good deeds we perform for the sake of Allah are everlasting and hold greater value in the sight of our Lord. Relying solely on hopes related to worldly gains can lead to a neglect of our spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteous actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warning against relying on hopes serves as a reminder to Muslims to strike a balance between their aspirations and the realities of life. While it is important to have dreams and goals, we must also be grounded in the present and actively work towards achieving those aspirations. Blindly relying on hopes without taking practical steps can lead to disappointment and a lack of progress.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages Muslims to cultivate knowledge and wisdom. By cautioning against the trait of fools, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions and making informed decisions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his deep knowledge and wisdom, and his words serve as a reminder for us to seek knowledge and apply it in our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against relying solely on our hopes and desires, as this can lead to foolishness and a neglect of reality. By providing examples from the Quran, we understand that while hopes and aspirations are natural, they should be balanced with practical steps and a focus on righteous actions. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice encourages us to seek knowledge and wisdom, enabling us to make informed decisions and live a purposeful life. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.