Hadith #4617

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced and moderate approach towards life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, beautifully states that one who neither despairs over the past nor becomes overjoyed with the future has truly embraced the essence of asceticism.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by analyzing the key words and concepts it presents. The word (taken) "أَخَذَ" signifies the act of grasping or acquiring something. In this context, it refers to the acquisition of asceticism. Asceticism, or "الزُّهْدَ" in Arabic, refers to the renunciation of worldly desires and attachments in favor of spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights two important aspects of asceticism in this Hadith. Firstly, he advises against despairing over the past. This means that one should not be consumed by regret, guilt, or sorrow for what has already occurred. Instead, Muslims are encouraged to seek forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to rectify their mistakes. The Quran beautifully reminds us in Surah Az-Zumar, verse 53:

Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'

Secondly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions against becoming overjoyed with the future. This means that one should not become excessively attached to hopes, dreams, or expectations of what is to come. While it is natural to have aspirations and goals, Muslims are reminded to place their trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to be content with His decree. The Quran beautifully reminds us in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46:

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

By adopting this balanced approach towards life, one can attain true asceticism. This mindset allows individuals to navigate the challenges and blessings of life with equanimity and steadfastness. It prevents one from being overwhelmed by past failures or future uncertainties, and instead, encourages a focus on the present moment and the pursuit of righteousness.

The consequences of embracing this teaching are profound. Muslims who internalize this Hadith will find themselves liberated from the burdens of regret and anxiety. They will be able to approach each day with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude, knowing that their past mistakes do not define them and that their future is ultimately in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This mindset fosters a deep sense of trust in Allah's divine wisdom and a recognition of His ultimate control over all affairs.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective in our lives. We should strive to learn from our past, seek forgiveness for our mistakes, and move forward with hope and trust in Allah's plan for us. By doing so, we can cultivate a state of asceticism that brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and allows us to navigate the complexities of life with grace and resilience.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embrace the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and to live our lives in accordance with the Quranic principles of balance and moderation. Ameen.