Hadith #11423

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

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

Loss of hope [in others] exalts the prisoner.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries deep wisdom and can be understood in light of the teachings of the Quran.

The word (loss of hope) "الْيَأْسُ" refers to a state of despair or hopelessness. When a person loses hope, they feel defeated and powerless, as if they are imprisoned by their circumstances. This feeling of being trapped can lead to a sense of helplessness and can hinder one's ability to move forward in life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that this loss of hope (exalts the prisoner) "يُعِزُّ الْأَسِيرَ". Here, the word (exalts) "يُعِزُّ" carries the meaning of elevating or honoring. It implies that when one loses hope, they are actually giving power and control to their captor, whether it be a physical captor or the circumstances that hold them back.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Yusuf (12:87), we find the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) who was imprisoned unjustly. Despite his difficult circumstances, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) did not lose hope in Allah's mercy and assistance. He maintained his faith and trust in Allah, which eventually led to his release and elevation to a position of power and authority.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:83), we learn about the Prophet Ayub (Job) who faced severe afflictions and hardships. Despite his suffering, Ayub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained patient and hopeful, never losing faith in Allah's mercy. Eventually, Allah rewarded him with relief from his suffering and restored his health and wealth.

These examples from the Quran illustrate the importance of maintaining hope and trust in Allah, even in the face of adversity. When we lose hope, we inadvertently give power to our challenges and allow them to control us. However, when we hold onto hope and rely on Allah's guidance and support, we can overcome even the most difficult situations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to never lose hope in the mercy and assistance of Allah. It encourages us to have faith in His wisdom and to trust that He will guide us through our trials. By doing so, we can break free from the shackles of despair and rise above our limitations.

Furthermore, this Hadith also highlights the importance of maintaining hope in our interactions with others. When we lose hope in someone's ability to change or improve, we inadvertently limit their potential for growth. Instead, we should strive to inspire and uplift others, offering them support and encouragement, just as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) did with his companions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson that loss of hope exalts the prisoner. It reminds us to never lose hope in Allah's mercy and guidance, and to maintain hope in our interactions with others. By doing so, we can break free from the chains of despair and empower ourselves and those around us to reach our full potential. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to always hold onto hope and trust in His divine plan.