Hadith #1051

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

Hope is always in denial; and long life is an affliction for man.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights two important aspects of human existence: the nature of hope and the challenges of a prolonged life.

Let us begin by examining the key words in this Hadith. The word "hope" is translated from the Arabic term (al-amal) "الأمل", which refers to the expectation or desire for something to happen. The word "denial" is translated from (takdhib) "تَكْذِيب", which means rejection or disbelief. The phrase "long life" is translated from (toul al-hayat) "طُولُ الحَياةِ", which signifies a prolonged duration of life. Lastly, the word "affliction" is translated from (ta'zeb) "تَعذيب", which refers to suffering or hardship.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Yusuf (12:87), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope in Allah's mercy and assistance, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. It reminds us that true believers never lose hope in Allah's ability to grant relief and ease.

However, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement cautions against an excessive attachment to worldly hopes and desires. It warns against placing one's ultimate trust and reliance on the transient and uncertain nature of this world. This is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the eternal life to come.

In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse reminds us that the pleasures and attractions of this world are temporary and fleeting. Placing excessive hope and reliance on worldly matters can lead to disappointment and denial of the true purpose of our existence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the challenges and difficulties that can arise from a prolonged life. While a long life may seem desirable, it can also become a source of affliction and hardship. This is because a prolonged life exposes us to a greater number of trials and tribulations, as well as the potential for spiritual decline and deviation from the path of righteousness.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse reminds us that life is filled with tests and challenges, and a longer life means a greater number of such trials. Therefore, a prolonged life can be seen as an affliction because it exposes us to more opportunities for spiritual growth but also more potential pitfalls and hardships.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to maintain a balanced perspective on hope and the duration of life. While we should always maintain hope in Allah's mercy and assistance, we must also be cautious not to become overly attached to worldly hopes and desires. We should strive for a meaningful and purposeful life, focusing on the eternal rewards of the hereafter rather than being consumed by the temporary pleasures and challenges of this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of maintaining hope in Allah's mercy while being mindful of the transient nature of worldly desires. It also highlights the challenges and potential pitfalls that can arise from a prolonged life. By understanding and reflecting upon this thought-provoking saying, Muslims can strive to strike a balance between hope and detachment, and navigate the challenges of life with patience and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the straight path and grant us the wisdom to understand and apply the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.