Hadith #6852

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

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

رُبَّ عَطَب تَحْتَ طَلَب۔

This can be translated as

Sometimes there is destruction is under what is sought.

Let us delve into the meaning of this impactful Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ataab) "عَطَب" in this Hadith refers to destruction, ruin, or calamity. It signifies a state of loss or harm that one may encounter. On the other hand, the word (talab) "طَلَب" means seeking or pursuing something. It represents the act of striving to attain a goal or desire.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 emphasizes the idea that what we desire or seek may not always be beneficial for us. We may think that something is good for us, but in reality, it may lead to our destruction or harm. Conversely, we may dislike or avoid something, thinking it is bad for us, but it could actually be in our best interest.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the All-Knowing and All-Wise, and He knows what is truly beneficial for us, even when we are unaware. Therefore, it is essential for us as Muslims to trust in His wisdom and submit to His decree, even if it contradicts our desires or expectations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that we should not be solely driven by our desires and ambitions. We must be cautious in our pursuits and seek guidance from Allah's teachings.

Another verse that complements the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse highlights the importance of balancing our worldly pursuits with the pursuit of the Hereafter. While it is natural to seek success and prosperity in this life, we should not forget our ultimate goal, which is attaining the pleasure of Allah and securing a place in the eternal abode. Neglecting our spiritual growth and focusing solely on worldly gains can lead to our own destruction and loss.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that sometimes what we seek in this world can become a source of ruin or harm. For example, excessive wealth, if not used wisely and for the betterment of society, can lead to arrogance, greed, and moral corruption. Similarly, pursuing power without considering the ethical consequences can result in oppression and injustice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their pursuits and desires. It teaches us to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt. We should strive for a balanced approach, prioritizing the pursuit of the Hereafter while fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. By doing so, we can avoid the destruction that may lie beneath our desires and actions, and instead, attain true success and eternal bliss. May Allah guide us all on the right path.