Hadith #367

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

Whoever hankers after contraries gets no means of success.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of seeking contradictory and conflicting goals in life. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the important words used.

The word (awma'a) "أَوْمَأَ" in this Hadith refers to someone who desires or seeks something. It implies a strong inclination or yearning towards a particular goal or objective. The word (mutafawitin) "مُتَفَاوِتٍ" refers to things that are contradictory or mutually exclusive. It signifies the pursuit of opposing or conflicting aims.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse emphasizes the importance of having a clear and consistent path in life. It highlights the need for steadfastness and determination in pursuing our goals.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse teaches us the importance of maintaining justice and fairness in our interactions with others, regardless of their beliefs or actions. It emphasizes the need for consistency in our behavior and treatment of others.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of seeking contradictory goals. When we hanker after things that are mutually exclusive, we create a state of confusion and imbalance in our lives. This pursuit of conflicting aims leads to a lack of focus and direction, ultimately hindering our chances of success.

For example, if a person desires both material wealth and spiritual enlightenment, but prioritizes the accumulation of wealth over spiritual growth, they may find themselves feeling empty and unsatisfied. By neglecting their spiritual well-being, they may lose sight of their purpose in life and fail to find true contentment and success.

Similarly, if someone seeks both popularity and moral integrity, but compromises their values to gain acceptance and approval from others, they may find themselves torn between their desire for recognition and their commitment to righteousness. This internal conflict can lead to a loss of self-respect and a compromised moral compass.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their goals and align them with the teachings of Islam. It encourages us to seek harmony and consistency in our pursuits, ensuring that our actions and aspirations are in line with our faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the futility of seeking contradictory goals. It reminds us of the importance of consistency and focus in our pursuits, urging us to align our actions with the teachings of Islam. By avoiding conflicting aims and striving for harmony in our endeavors, we can attain true success and fulfillment in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to seek that which is pleasing to Him.