Hadith #1085

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

إنّي مُحاربُ أمَلي، ومُنْتَظِرُ أجَلي۔

This beautiful Hadith can be translated as,

Verily I am fighting against my hopes and waiting for my death.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the important words and phrases it contains. The word (muhārib) "مُحارب" means "fighting against" or "struggling with." It signifies a continuous and intense battle against something. The word (amali) "أمَلي" refers to "my hopes" or "my desires." It represents the aspirations and ambitions that one may have in this worldly life. Lastly, the phrase (wa muntaẓiru ajali) "ومُنْتَظِرُ أجَلي" means

waiting for my death.

It implies patiently anticipating the inevitable end of life.

To understand the enlightening message behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216:

Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. 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 highlights the concept of struggling against one's desires and inclinations. It teaches us that sometimes what we desire may not be in our best interest, and what we dislike may actually be beneficial for us. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood this reality and recognized the need to fight against his own hopes and desires.

Furthermore, the Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 64:

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly desires and pursuits. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) recognized the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the Hereafter. By fighting against his hopes, he sought to detach himself from the materialistic aspects of this world and instead prioritize the pursuit of spiritual growth and preparation for the afterlife.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also sheds light on the concept of death. Death is an inevitable reality that every individual must face. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the ultimate return to Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By waiting for his death, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) demonstrated his readiness to meet his Creator and fulfill his purpose in this world.

This Hadith serves as a profound reflection on the importance of self-discipline, detachment from worldly desires, and the recognition of the temporary nature of this life. It teaches us to align our aspirations and actions with the teachings of Islam, prioritizing the pursuit of the Hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) unwavering commitment to fighting against his hopes and waiting for his death serves as a timeless example for all Muslims to emulate in their own lives.

May Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the true purpose of our existence and the strength to fight against our desires in order to attain success in this life and the Hereafter.