Hadith #3982

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best religion is cutting short [false] aspirations, and the highest worship is being sincere in your action.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights two important aspects of true faith: the importance of having realistic and modest aspirations, and the significance of sincerity in one's actions.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (qasr) "قَصْرُ" means "cutting short" or "reducing." It implies the need to limit and control our desires and ambitions, particularly those that are unrealistic or excessive. The word (amal) "أمَلِ" refers to aspirations or hopes. Thus, the Hadith encourages Muslims to refrain from having lofty and unattainable goals, as they can lead to disappointment, frustration, and even deviation from the right path.

To further understand the significance of cutting short false aspirations, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes the importance of focusing on enduring good deeds rather than being consumed by worldly desires. It encourages Muslims to prioritize actions that have a lasting impact and are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), rather than being solely preoccupied with material possessions or temporary achievements.

The second part of the Hadith highlights the significance of sincerity in worship. The word (ikhlas) "إخْلاصُ" means sincerity or purity of intention. It refers to the act of performing actions solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), without seeking any worldly recognition or personal gain. This sincerity in worship is the highest form of devotion and is essential for one's actions to be accepted by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of sincerity in worship. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position.' Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever.

This verse highlights the purity and sincerity of the religion that is solely dedicated to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It warns against associating partners with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in worship, as it undermines the sincerity of one's actions and leads to deviation from the true path.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their aspirations and intentions. It encourages us to set realistic and modest goals, focusing on actions that have a lasting impact and bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It also emphasizes the need for sincerity in our worship, reminding us to purify our intentions and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone.

By cutting short false aspirations and being sincere in our actions, we can attain a balanced and fulfilling religious life. We will be able to align our goals with the teachings of Islam, strive for excellence in our worship, and ultimately seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives and make us among those who have true faith and sincerity in their actions.