Hadith #6130

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

We seek Allah's protection from lowly coveted things and the ambitions that are disliked [by Him].

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of seeking refuge in Allah from the worldly desires and ambitions that are not pleasing to Him.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The Arabic word (matami'i) "مَطَامِعِ" refers to lowly coveted things, which are the material possessions and worldly desires that distract us from our spiritual journey. These include excessive wealth, power, fame, and other materialistic pursuits that can lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

The term (himam) "الهِمَمِ" refers to ambitions or aspirations. However, in this context, it specifically refers to ambitions that are disliked by Allah. These are the desires and goals that are contrary to the teachings of Islam and the values of righteousness. They may include seeking revenge, pursuing unlawful relationships, or engaging in any form of injustice or oppression.

To understand the significance of seeking refuge in Allah from these lowly coveted things and disliked ambitions, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Israa (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 seeking Allah's protection and guidance in all aspects of our lives, including our desires and ambitions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

Wealth and children are an adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and ambitions, urging us to prioritize the pursuit of righteous deeds that will bring eternal rewards and fulfillment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the distractions and temptations of this world. By seeking refuge in Allah, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and recognize that true success lies in aligning our desires and ambitions with His teachings.

When we seek Allah's protection from lowly coveted things and disliked ambitions, we are motivated to prioritize our spiritual growth and focus on actions that are pleasing to Him. This leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life, as we strive to embody the values of justice, compassion, and righteousness that are emphasized in the Quran.

The consequences of neglecting this advice can be detrimental to our spiritual well-being. If we allow ourselves to be consumed by worldly desires and ambitions that are contrary to the teachings of Islam, we risk straying from the straight path and falling into sin. This can lead to a loss of inner peace, contentment, and ultimately, the displeasure of Allah.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words, we are reminded of the importance of self-reflection and self-discipline. We must constantly evaluate our desires and ambitions, ensuring that they are in line with the teachings of Islam. By seeking refuge in Allah and striving to purify our intentions, we can navigate the challenges of this world with wisdom and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to seek Allah's protection from lowly coveted things and ambitions that are disliked by Him. By aligning our desires and ambitions with the teachings of Islam, we can lead a purposeful and fulfilling life, striving for righteousness and seeking eternal rewards. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the distractions of this world.