Hadith #1113

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,

طاعةُ الأمَلِ، تُفْسِدُ العَمَلَ۔

This can be translated as,

Submission to hope corrupts [one’s] actions.

To understand the connotation behind this statement, let us delve into the important words and concepts within it.

The word (ta'at) "طاعةُ" refers to obedience or submission. It implies willingly following the commands and guidance of a higher authority. In this context, it refers to submitting to the desires and whims of one's hopes and aspirations. The word (al-amal) "الأمَلِ" means hope or expectation. It represents the optimistic outlook that individuals have for the future, their aspirations, and the goals they strive to achieve. Lastly, the word (tufsidu) "تُفْسِدُ" means to corrupt or spoil. It signifies the negative consequences that arise when actions are tainted or compromised.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:103-104),

Say, 'Shall We inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work.'

This Quranic verse highlights the danger of being deluded by false hopes and expectations. It warns us about individuals who become so engrossed in pursuing their worldly desires that they neglect the true purpose of their existence. They believe they are doing good deeds, but in reality, their actions are corrupted and devoid of sincerity. This aligns with the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, which cautions against blindly following our hopes and aspirations without considering their impact on our actions.

Another verse that sheds light on the meaning of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:61), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And He is the one who made for you the hearing, the vision, and the hearts; little are you grateful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of gratitude and contentment. It reminds us that true success lies in being grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), rather than constantly chasing after unattainable desires and hopes. When we become slaves to our hopes and aspirations, we lose sight of the countless blessings we already possess, leading to dissatisfaction and corruption in our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the influence that our hopes and aspirations can have on our actions. While it is natural to have dreams and goals, we must ensure that they align with the teachings of Islam and are pursued with sincerity and gratitude. Blindly submitting to our hopes without considering their impact can lead to corruption in our actions, as we may compromise our values and principles in the pursuit of worldly achievements.

For example, if an individual desires wealth and success, they may resort to unethical practices such as fraud or exploitation to achieve their goals. This submission to their hopes corrupts their actions, as they prioritize personal gain over moral integrity. On the other hand, if one's hope is to attain knowledge and wisdom, they may dedicate themselves to seeking knowledge through legitimate means, benefiting themselves and others.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the influence that our hopes and aspirations can have on our actions. It urges us to align our desires with the teachings of Islam, ensuring that they are pursued with sincerity, gratitude, and moral integrity. By doing so, we can avoid the corruption that arises from blindly submitting to our hopes and instead lead a life of righteousness and fulfillment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern between righteous and corrupt actions and guide us on the straight path.