Hadith #1061

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

في غُرُورِ الآمالِ إنْقِضاءُ الآجالِ۔

This can be translated into English as:

In the deception of hopes, lifetimes lapse.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ghuroor) "غُرُورِ" refers to the deception or illusion that can cloud our hopes and aspirations. It highlights the tendency of human beings to become engrossed in worldly desires and to be misled by the allure of temporary pleasures. This deception can lead us astray from the path of righteousness and distract us from our ultimate purpose in life.

The term (al-amal) "الآمالِ" refers to hopes or expectations. It signifies the aspirations and dreams that individuals hold dear to their hearts. While hopes can be a driving force for progress and improvement, they can also become a source of delusion if not grounded in reality and guided by the principles of faith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of being deceived by our hopes and desires. He states that (inqida'u al-ajal) "إنْقِضاءُ الآجالِ" - lifetimes lapse. This phrase emphasizes the fleeting nature of our existence and the passage of time. It serves as a reminder that our lives are limited, and we must not allow ourselves to be consumed by worldly illusions that distract us from our spiritual journey.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the deception of hopes and the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of worldly temptations. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20):

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 transient nature of worldly pursuits and the illusionary nature of material possessions. It reminds us that the true purpose of life lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the Hereafter.

Another verse that complements the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115):

Did you think that We created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our existence is not a result of mere chance or amusement. Rather, we have been created for a higher purpose, and we will be held accountable for our actions in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement urges us to reflect upon the transitory nature of worldly hopes and desires. It reminds us to prioritize our spiritual growth and to seek eternal rewards over temporary pleasures. By recognizing the deception of hopes, we can guard ourselves against being led astray and remain focused on the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the deceptive nature of worldly hopes. It calls upon us to prioritize our spiritual journey and to remain steadfast in the face of worldly distractions. By doing so, we can attain true success in this life and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the deception of hopes and guide us on the path of righteousness.