Hadith #7269

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما عَقَلَ مَنْ أطالَ أمَلَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who lengthens his aspirations is not intelligent.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of having realistic and attainable goals in life.

To better understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (aqala) "عَقَلَ" refers to intelligence or wisdom. It encompasses the ability to think critically, make sound judgments, and act wisely. The word (at'ala) "أطالَ" means to prolong or extend. And finally, (amalahu) "أمَلَهُ" refers to aspirations or hopes.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising us that true intelligence lies in setting realistic and achievable goals, rather than harboring unrealistic and never-ending aspirations. This Hadith encourages us to be practical and grounded in our ambitions, as constantly chasing unattainable dreams can lead to disappointment, frustration, and a waste of time and effort.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 4:32)

And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of his bounty. Indeed Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of contentment and not desiring what others possess. It reminds us that Allah has allocated each person a share of what they have earned, and we should be grateful for our own blessings rather than constantly yearning for more. This aligns with the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, as it encourages us to be satisfied with what we have and to set realistic goals within our reach.

Another verse in the Quran that complements this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 28:77)

And seek by means of what 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 reminds us to strike a balance between our aspirations for the Hereafter and our responsibilities in this world. It advises us to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while fulfilling our worldly obligations. It cautions against excessive desires and warns against corruption. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this sentiment by urging us to be wise in our aspirations and not to extend them beyond what is reasonable and beneficial.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to set realistic goals and to prioritize their efforts wisely. It encourages us to be mindful of our limitations and to focus on what is attainable, rather than being consumed by unattainable fantasies. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary disappointment, make the most of our time and resources, and ultimately achieve success in both this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to set realistic goals and the ability to strive for them with sincerity and perseverance. May He bless us with contentment and satisfaction in what He has decreed for us. And may He guide us to the path of righteousness and success in this life and the Hereafter.