Hadith #11412

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 purified Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الْيَأْسُ أَحَدُ النُّجْحَيْنِ" which translates to

Loss of hope [in others] is one of the two successes.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of maintaining hope and trust in others, even in the face of difficulties and challenges.

The word (loss of hope) "الْيَأْسُ" refers to a state of despair or hopelessness. It is a feeling of giving up and losing faith in the possibility of positive outcomes. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that this loss of hope is one of the two successes, implying that it is a key element in achieving success in this world and the hereafter.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and trust in Him and in others. In Surah Yusuf, Allah says, (Quran 12:87)

Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people

This verse highlights that despair is a characteristic of those who reject faith, while believers should always maintain hope in Allah's mercy and assistance.

Furthermore, in Surah Az-Zumar, Allah says, (Quran 39:53)

Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful'

This verse reminds us that Allah's mercy is vast and encompasses all sins. It encourages us to never lose hope in His forgiveness, regardless of our past mistakes.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of maintaining hope in others. Despite the challenges and disappointments we may face in our interactions with people, it is crucial to remember that humans are fallible beings. Just as we seek forgiveness and understanding from Allah, we should extend the same to others.

In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (Quran 49:12)

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful

This verse reminds us to avoid negative assumptions about others and to refrain from backbiting or spying on them. It encourages us to maintain a positive outlook and to give others the benefit of the doubt.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that loss of hope in others can hinder our personal growth and hinder the development of strong and trusting relationships. When we lose hope in others, we close ourselves off from the potential for positive change and transformation. By maintaining hope and trust in others, we create an environment of compassion, forgiveness, and understanding.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own actions and behaviors. It reminds us that our own actions can have a profound impact on the hope and trust others place in us. By embodying the qualities of honesty, integrity, and reliability, we can inspire hope in others and contribute to their success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of maintaining hope and trust in others. It reminds us that loss of hope is detrimental to our personal growth and the development of strong relationships. By turning to the Quran, we find numerous verses that emphasize the significance of hope in Allah's mercy and the importance of positive assumptions about others. May we always strive to maintain hope and trust in Allah and in our fellow Muslims, and may this lead us to success in this world and the hereafter.