Hadith #4636

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) teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of making wise and lasting choices in our requests and desires. The Imam advises us to seek things that possess enduring beauty and benefits, even after the immediate consequences have passed.

Let us begin by examining the key words in this Hadith. The word (mas'altuka) "مَسْألَتُكَ" refers to one's request or desire. It implies seeking something from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through supplication or prayer. The word (jamaluhu) "جَمالُهُ" means charm or beauty, which refers to the attractiveness and desirability of the requested thing. And the word (wabaluhu) "وَبالُهُ" refers to the negative consequences or harm that may arise as a result of the request.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201:

And there are some of them who say: 'Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. It encourages us to make requests that bring lasting benefits, not just temporary pleasures. It reminds us to prioritize our eternal salvation and well-being over immediate gratification.

Another verse that sheds light on the wisdom behind Imam Ali's advice is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216:

Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse emphasizes that sometimes we may dislike certain things that are actually good for us, and vice versa. It teaches us that our limited knowledge and understanding may lead us to desire things that are harmful in the long run. Therefore, it is crucial to seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and make requests that align with His wisdom and knowledge.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice urges us to reflect on the consequences of our requests. It encourages us to consider the long-term effects and choose wisely. For example, if we desire wealth, we should seek it in a way that is halal and beneficial not only for ourselves but also for society. If we seek knowledge, we should strive for knowledge that is beneficial and leads us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By following this guidance, we can avoid making impulsive requests that may bring temporary pleasure but ultimately lead to regret and harm. Instead, we should seek things that have lasting beauty and benefits, such as knowledge, good character, righteous deeds, and a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of making wise and lasting choices in our requests and desires. It reminds us to seek things that possess enduring beauty and benefits, even after the immediate consequences have passed. By aligning our requests with the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can lead a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and brings us true and lasting happiness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness.