Hadith #1094

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

The product of aspirations is regret (and its fruit is loss).

This impactful Hadith highlights the consequences of our aspirations and desires. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith.

The word (haasil) "حاصِلُ" refers to the outcome or result of something. It signifies the end product or consequence. (al-amaani) "الأمانِي" refers to aspirations or desires. It represents the hopes and dreams that we have in our hearts. (al-asaf) "الأسَفُ" translates to regret, which is the feeling of sorrow or disappointment over something that has happened or that we have failed to achieve. And (at-talaf) "التَّلَفُ" means loss, which refers to the destruction or ruin that occurs as a result of our actions or decisions.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18),

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds us to reflect upon our actions and intentions, as they will have consequences in this life and the hereafter.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse emphasizes that we are responsible for our choices and aspirations, and we will be held accountable for them. We should be mindful of our desires and ensure that they align with the teachings of Islam.

Now, let us analyze the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the product or outcome of our aspirations is regret. This means that when our desires are not in line with what is pleasing to Allah, we will ultimately feel remorseful and disappointed. Our aspirations may lead us astray from the path of righteousness and result in negative consequences.

For example, if someone aspires to accumulate wealth through dishonest means, they may achieve their desired outcome initially. However, the regret and loss that follow will be inevitable. They may face legal consequences, damage their reputation, and ultimately lose the blessings and barakah in their wealth.

Similarly, if someone aspires to engage in sinful behavior, such as lying or backbiting, they may experience temporary satisfaction or pleasure. However, the regret and loss that ensue will overshadow any fleeting enjoyment. They may lose the trust and respect of others, damage relationships, and most importantly, displease Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of our aspirations to remind us of the importance of aligning our desires with the teachings of Islam. We must strive to seek Allah's pleasure in all that we do and avoid pursuing worldly gains at the expense of our spiritual well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their aspirations and desires. It teaches us that when our aspirations are not in accordance with the teachings of Islam, we will ultimately experience regret and loss. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to have pure and righteous aspirations and protect us from the consequences of misguided desires.