Hadith #1130

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "المُغْتَرُّ بِالآمالِ مَخْدُوعٌ" which translates to

One who is deceived by hopes is misled.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the dangers of being overly dependent on one's hopes and desires, as it can lead to deception and misguidance.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (al-mughtarr) "المُغْتَرُّ" refers to someone who is deceived or deluded, while (bil-amal) "بِالآمالِ" means hopes or aspirations. Lastly, (makhdu'un) "مَخْدُوعٌ" signifies being misled or led astray.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Yunus, verse 23:

But when He saves them, at once they commit injustice upon the earth without right. O mankind, your injustice is only against yourselves, [being merely] the enjoyment of worldly life. Then to Us is your return, and We will inform you of what you used to do.

This verse reminds us that placing excessive hope in worldly desires can lead to injustice and wrongdoing.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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 emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of becoming overly attached to their hopes and desires. While it is natural to have aspirations and goals, it is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective and not let these hopes blind us from the ultimate truth and purpose of our existence.

When one becomes excessively fixated on their desires, they may lose sight of their true purpose in life, which is to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure. This can lead to a neglect of one's religious obligations and a prioritization of worldly gains over spiritual growth.

Furthermore, being deceived by hopes can also result in disappointment and despair when those hopes are not fulfilled. This can lead to a cycle of discontentment and dissatisfaction, as one constantly chases after worldly desires without finding true fulfillment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly aspirations and their spiritual journey. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure above all else. By aligning our hopes and desires with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can avoid being deceived by the temporary allure of this world and instead focus on attaining eternal success in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of becoming overly attached to their hopes and desires. By seeking guidance from the Quran and reflecting on its verses, we can understand the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective and prioritizing our spiritual journey over worldly pursuits. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to navigate through the trials and tribulations of this world and guide us towards eternal success in the Hereafter.