Hadith #1062

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic phrase of the Hadith is "قَدْ تَغُرُّ الاُمنِيَّةُ۔" which translates to "Aspirations may deceive." Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (taghurru) "تَغُرُّ" is derived from the root word (gharra) "غَرَّ", which means to deceive or delude. It implies that aspirations or desires have the potential to mislead or lead one astray. This highlights the importance of being cautious and discerning when it comes to our aspirations and ambitions.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the deceptive nature of worldly desires and aspirations. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes that the worldly desires and aspirations are temporary and fleeting. They may bring temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but ultimately they lead to disappointment and regret. The pursuit of worldly aspirations can distract us from our true purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah and strive for the eternal abode.

Another verse that sheds light on the deceptive nature of aspirations is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 83, where Allah says,

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse reminds us that true success lies in seeking the rewards of the Hereafter, rather than being consumed by worldly ambitions. Aspirations that revolve around worldly achievements and material gains can lead to corruption and arrogance. The righteous, on the other hand, are content with what Allah has decreed for them and focus on building their eternal abode in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the deceptive nature of aspirations. This statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that we should not be solely driven by worldly ambitions and desires. Instead, we should prioritize our spiritual growth and strive for the pleasure of Allah.

When aspirations are solely focused on worldly gains, they can lead to negative consequences. They can blind us from the true purpose of our existence and divert us from the path of righteousness. We may become consumed by materialistic pursuits, neglecting our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings.

Furthermore, aspirations that are not aligned with the teachings of Islam can lead to moral and ethical compromises. We may be tempted to engage in dishonesty, injustice, or harmful actions in order to achieve our desires. This can have detrimental effects on our spiritual well-being and our relationships with others.

On the other hand, when our aspirations are rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his progeny, they become a means of spiritual growth and a source of blessings. Aspirations that are in line with the principles of Islam motivate us to seek knowledge, engage in acts of charity, promote justice, and strive for self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "Aspirations may deceive" serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious and discerning when it comes to our aspirations and ambitions. We should prioritize our spiritual growth and seek aspirations that are in line with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of worldly desires and strive for success in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us on the right path and protect us from the deception of our own aspirations.