Hadith #6144

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,

One who entertains the hope of [fulfilment of] false cupidity, the grant [which he receives] belies him.

This Hadith highlights the consequences of harboring false desires and expectations, and how they can lead to disappointment and deception.

Let us first analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (kazib) "كاذِبِ" means false or deceitful, while (tama') "الطَّمَعِ" refers to cupidity or greed. The word (kathabathu) "كَذَّبَتْهُ" means to belie or prove false, and (al-'atiyyah) "العَطِيَّةُ" refers to the grant or gift.

To further understand the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188),

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse emphasizes the prohibition of greed and dishonesty in acquiring wealth.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the importance of selflessness and generosity, while warning against the stinginess of the soul.

Now, let us delve into the significance of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. This Hadith serves as a reminder that when one entertains false desires and greed, they are setting themselves up for disappointment and deception. When someone's hopes and expectations are based on falsehoods, they are bound to be let down when reality does not align with their expectations.

For example, if a person is driven by the desire for material wealth and believes that acquiring it will bring them happiness and contentment, they may engage in dishonest practices to achieve their goals. However, their ill-gotten gains will ultimately prove to be false and fleeting, leaving them feeling empty and betrayed.

Similarly, if someone places their hopes and aspirations in worldly achievements or positions of power, they may compromise their values and integrity to attain their desires. However, when they finally achieve their goals, they may realize that the fulfillment they sought was superficial and devoid of true satisfaction.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder to Muslims to align their desires and expectations with the teachings of Islam. True contentment and fulfillment can only be found in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and following the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith warns against entertaining false desires and greed, as they can lead to disappointment and deception. It reminds us to align our hopes and aspirations with the teachings of Islam, seeking true contentment and fulfillment in the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the right path and protect us from the pitfalls of false desires.