Hadith #513

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:

مَنْ جَرى في عِنانِ أمَلِهِ عَثُرَ بِأجَلِهِ۔

This can be translated as:

One who rides with the reins of his aspiration stumbles over his death.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (inani) "عِنانِ" in the Hadith refers to the reins or control of one's aspirations, desires, and ambitions. It symbolizes the direction in which a person's life is headed. Just as a rider controls a horse with reins, our aspirations guide us in the journey of life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that if we allow our aspirations to be misguided, if we chase after worldly desires without considering the consequences, we will stumble over our own death. This means that our misguided ambitions can lead us towards destruction and spiritual death.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 60, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 28:60)

And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?

This verse reminds us that the material possessions and worldly desires we pursue are temporary and fleeting. They are merely a means of enjoyment in this worldly life. However, what truly matters and has everlasting value is what is with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our ultimate goal should be to seek the pleasure of Allah and strive for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder that if we become consumed by our worldly aspirations and desires, we lose sight of the true purpose of our existence. We become like a rider who loses control of their horse and stumbles into their own demise.

To further emphasize this point, let us reflect on another verse from the Quran. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 57:20)

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.

This verse beautifully illustrates the transient nature of worldly pursuits. Just as a rain brings temporary growth to plants, our worldly achievements and possessions are also temporary. They will eventually wither away and become nothing but scattered debris. Therefore, it is crucial for us to prioritize the pursuit of eternal rewards and the pleasure of Allah over the fleeting pleasures of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for us to reflect upon our aspirations and ensure that they are aligned with the teachings of the Quran. We must strive to seek knowledge, engage in acts of worship, and work towards the betterment of ourselves and society. By doing so, we can avoid stumbling over our own spiritual death and instead attain true success in this life and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of misguided aspirations and desires. It reminds us to prioritize the pursuit of eternal rewards and the pleasure of Allah over the temporary pleasures of this world. By aligning our aspirations with the teachings of the Quran, we can avoid stumbling over our own spiritual death and instead attain true success in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the right path and grant us the wisdom to make righteous choices.