Hadith #19

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ جَرَى فِي عِنَانِ أَمَلِهِ عَثَرَ بِأَجَلِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

He who gallops with loose rein collides with death.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications.

The word (jarā) "جَرَى" means to run or gallop, indicating a fast-paced and reckless movement. (fi 'ināni) "فِي عِنَانِ" refers to having loose reins, which symbolizes a lack of control and restraint. (amalih) "أَمَلِهِ" refers to one's hopes, aspirations, or desires. Finally, (ʿathara) "عَثَرَ" means to stumble or collide, and (bi'ajlihi) "بِأَجَلِهِ" refers to one's appointed time of death.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 30,

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

This verse highlights the importance of relying on Allah's plan and guidance, rather than rushing headlong into situations without proper consideration.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 56, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes the fact that true guidance comes from Allah alone. It is a reminder that we should not rely solely on our own desires and ambitions, but rather seek guidance from the Almighty in all aspects of our lives.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. The imagery of galloping with loose reins represents a hasty and reckless approach to life. It symbolizes a lack of control and a disregard for the consequences of our actions. Just as a rider who gallops without restraint is more likely to stumble and fall, a person who rushes through life without thought and reflection is more likely to encounter hardships and pitfalls.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of balance and moderation in our pursuits. He highlights the need for us to exercise control over our desires and ambitions, rather than allowing them to control us. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls and dangers that await those who recklessly chase after their desires.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to approach life with wisdom, patience, and a deep understanding of the consequences of our actions. It encourages us to seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to align our aspirations with His divine plan. By doing so, we can navigate the challenges of life with grace and avoid the stumbling blocks that may lead to our downfall.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of exercising control over our desires and ambitions. It urges us to seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to approach life with wisdom and moderation. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls and dangers that await those who recklessly chase after their desires. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to navigate through life with balance and to seek His guidance in all our endeavors.