Hadith #1067

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a concise yet beautiful saying that emphasizes the importance of reducing our hopes and aspirations in this worldly life. The word (qassir) "قَصِّرْ" means to shorten or reduce, while (amalak) "أمَلَكَ" refers to hopes or expectations. The word (ajalak) "أجَلَكَ" means your death or the appointed time of your death.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is advising us to lower our expectations and desires in this world, as our lives are transient and our time on this earth is limited. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to focus on the eternal life in the Hereafter and not become overly attached to the temporary pleasures and pursuits of this world.

This concept of reducing our hopes and aspirations is supported by various verses of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. It warns us against becoming engrossed in the materialistic aspects of life, as they are fleeting and ultimately lead to disappointment.

Another verse that supports the message of reducing our hopes in this world is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 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 true and everlasting blessings are with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and that we should not be deceived by the temporary pleasures and possessions of this world. It encourages us to reflect and use our intellect to prioritize the eternal rewards of the Hereafter over the transient attractions of this worldly life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to reduce our hopes serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of focusing on our ultimate destination, the Hereafter. By lowering our expectations and desires in this world, we can free ourselves from the distractions and attachments that hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from attaining true success.

Reducing our hopes does not mean abandoning our responsibilities or neglecting our worldly affairs. Rather, it means maintaining a balanced perspective and recognizing that the true purpose of our existence lies beyond the confines of this temporary world. It means prioritizing our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for righteousness and good deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound advice should motivate us to reflect on our priorities and make conscious efforts to detach ourselves from the materialistic aspects of this world. By doing so, we can cultivate a mindset that is focused on the eternal and strive for a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement this valuable advice in our lives.