Hadith #4764

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) warns us about the futility of placing our hopes and aspirations in something that is illusory and deceptive, just like a mirage. The word (amalla) "أمَّلَ" in Arabic means to hope or expect, while (ar-riyya) "الرِّيَّ" refers to a mirage. The word (khaba) "خابَ" means to be disappointed or to have one's hopes dashed, and (‘atashihi) "عَطَشِهِ" means thirst.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to place their hopes and aspirations in the right direction, seeking fulfillment and satisfaction from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. It cautions against relying on worldly illusions and false promises, which ultimately lead to disappointment and spiritual thirst.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 22:62)

That is because Allah is the Truth, and that which they call upon other than Him is falsehood, and because Allah is the Most High, the Grand.

This verse emphasizes the importance of placing our trust and hopes in Allah alone, as He is the ultimate truth and everything else is mere falsehood.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.

This verse highlights the consequences of turning away from the remembrance of Allah and seeking fulfillment in worldly illusions. Such individuals will lead a life of disappointment and will be deprived of guidance in the Hereafter.

The exegesis of this Hadith reminds us of the importance of seeking true fulfillment and contentment in our lives. Placing our hopes and aspirations in worldly pursuits, material possessions, or the approval of others will only lead to disappointment and spiritual thirst. Just like a mirage cannot quench our physical thirst, these illusions cannot satisfy the deep longing of our souls.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us against falling into the trap of false hopes and illusions. He encourages us to direct our hopes and aspirations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to seek His pleasure above all else. By relying on Allah's guidance and seeking His pleasure, we can find true fulfillment and contentment in our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to place their hopes and aspirations in the right direction. It warns against relying on worldly illusions and false promises, which ultimately lead to disappointment and spiritual thirst. By seeking fulfillment in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone, we can find true contentment and satisfaction in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all to the straight path and protect us from the allure of deceptive mirages.