Hadith #3770

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,

رَغْبَتُكَ فِي المُسْتَحيلِ جَهلٌ۔

This powerful statement translates to,

You desire for the unachievable is [a sign of] ignorance.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (raghbatuka) "رَغْبَتُكَ" refers to one's desire or inclination towards something. It signifies a strong longing or yearning for a particular outcome or goal. The word (fi) "فِي" means "in" or "towards," indicating the direction of one's desire. (al-mustahil) "المُسْتَحيلِ" refers to the unachievable or the impossible. It represents something that cannot be attained or realized.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 17:19)

And whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effort due to it while he is a believer - it is those whose effort is ever appreciated [by Allah].

This verse emphasizes the importance of having a desire for the Hereafter, for the eternal life that awaits us. It encourages believers to strive and exert effort in pursuing righteousness and seeking closeness to Allah. However, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against desiring the unachievable, as it is a manifestation of ignorance.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can refer to another verse in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 20:131)

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and warns against becoming excessively attached to them. It reminds us that the true provision and everlasting happiness lie with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Therefore, desiring the unachievable in this world, such as excessive wealth or material possessions, is a sign of ignorance and a lack of understanding of the true purpose of life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to focus their desires and aspirations on what is attainable and beneficial in both this world and the Hereafter. It urges us to seek knowledge, righteousness, and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than chasing after fleeting and unattainable desires.

By recognizing the limitations of our desires and redirecting them towards what is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can attain true success and fulfillment. This Hadith encourages us to seek knowledge and understanding, enabling us to distinguish between what is achievable and what is beyond our reach.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of aligning our desires with what is attainable and beneficial in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It warns against pursuing the unachievable, as it reflects a lack of knowledge and understanding. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek what is truly beneficial and to be content with His provisions.