Hadith #4298

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,

لا تَرْجُ إلاّ رَبَّكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not have hope [or expectation] except from your Lord.

This impactful saying holds great significance and provides guidance for Muslims in their daily lives.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (tarju) "تَرْجُ" is derived from the root word (raja) "رَجَا", which means to hope, expect, or desire. It implies placing one's trust and hope in something or someone. The word (rabbaka) "رَبَّكَ" refers to "your Lord," emphasizing the importance of directing our hopes and expectations solely towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of placing our hopes and expectations solely in Him. In Surah Yunus (10:107), Allah says,

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty. He causes it to reach whom He wills of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.

This verse reminds us that Allah alone has control over our affairs. He is the ultimate source of all blessings and the only one who can alleviate our hardships. Placing our hopes in anything or anyone other than Allah would be futile, as they are merely means through which Allah's will is manifested.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:17), where Allah says,

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good - then He is over all things competent.

This verse emphasizes the absolute power and control of Allah over all matters. It reminds us that our hopes and expectations should be directed towards Him alone, as He is the ultimate source of all goodness and the only one who can bring about positive change in our lives.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand its profound implications. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to place their complete trust and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of life. By doing so, we free ourselves from the disappointments and uncertainties that come with placing our hopes in worldly matters or individuals.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, highlights the importance of having unwavering faith in Allah's plans and relying solely on Him for our hopes and expectations. This Hadith encourages Muslims to turn to Allah in times of difficulty, seeking His guidance and mercy, and to be grateful to Him in times of ease.

By aligning our hopes and expectations with the will of Allah, we find solace and contentment, knowing that He is the ultimate source of all goodness and that His plans are perfect. This Hadith teaches us to have a deep connection with Allah, seeking His pleasure above all else and recognizing that He alone has the power to fulfill our hopes and desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Do not have hope [or expectation] except from your Lord,

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to place their complete trust and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It urges us to direct our hopes and expectations towards Him alone, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of all blessings and the only one who can bring about positive change in our lives. May we all strive to internalize this teaching and seek Allah's guidance and mercy in all aspects of our lives.