Hadith #7080

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

When covetousness and false hopes deceive, the minds of the ignorant are beguiled and the intellects of people are tested.

This impactful saying highlights the dangers of covetousness and false hopes, which can lead to the deception of the ignorant and the testing of people's intellects.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith to better understand its meaning. The word "covetousness" refers to an intense desire for wealth, power, or possessions, often driven by greed. It is a state of being consumed by materialistic desires, which can blind individuals to the true purpose of life. "False hopes" refers to unrealistic expectations or aspirations that are not based on sound judgment or reality. These false hopes can lead individuals astray and cause them to lose sight of what truly matters.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of covetousness and false hopes in several verses. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (57:20)

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 reminds us that the worldly life is temporary and fleeting. The pursuit of wealth, possessions, and worldly desires can be alluring, but it ultimately leads to delusion and disappointment. Covetousness and false hopes can blind us from the reality of the Hereafter and divert our attention from the true purpose of our existence.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of covetousness is found in Surah Al-Imran, where Allah says, (3:14)

You are eager for wealth, even to the extent of consuming it excessively. You love wealth with an intense and insatiable love!

This verse serves as a warning against the excessive love for wealth and possessions. When individuals become consumed by their desire for materialistic gains, their judgment becomes clouded, and they lose sight of the true purpose of life. This excessive love for wealth can lead to unethical behavior, greed, and a neglect of one's spiritual and moral obligations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the consequences of covetousness and false hopes. When individuals are driven by these vices, their minds become beguiled and their intellects are tested. The ignorant are easily deceived by the allure of materialistic gains, and their actions are guided by their base desires rather than sound judgment.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and cautious in their pursuit of worldly desires. We should strive to prioritize our spiritual growth, moral values, and the well-being of others over the accumulation of wealth and possessions. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the deception of covetousness and false hopes, and ensure that our intellects remain steadfast and guided by divine wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the dangers of covetousness and false hopes. It reminds us to be mindful of the temporary nature of worldly possessions and to prioritize our spiritual growth and moral values. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from being deceived and ensure that our intellects remain guided by divine wisdom. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome our materialistic desires and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.