Hadith #1137

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ غَرَّتْهُ الأمانيُّ كَذَّبَتْهُ الآجالُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is deceived by aspirations is belied by death.

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

The word (gharrathu) "غَرَّتْهُ" in the Hadith refers to being deceived or misled. It implies that when one becomes captivated by their desires and aspirations, they are led astray from the path of truth and righteousness. This deception can blind individuals to the reality of their existence and the purpose of their lives.

The term (al-amani) "الأمانيُّ" refers to aspirations or hopes. These aspirations can encompass various aspects of life, such as wealth, power, fame, or worldly pleasures. When individuals become fixated on fulfilling their desires and aspirations, they may lose sight of the ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The phrase (kadhdhabathu al-ajal) "كَذَّبَتْهُ الآجالُ" means that death exposes the falsehood of these aspirations. Death is an undeniable reality that awaits every soul, regardless of their worldly achievements or ambitions. It serves as a reminder that the transient nature of this world and its desires will eventually fade away, leaving only the eternal consequences of one's actions.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly aspirations and the transient nature of life itself. It emphasizes that the pursuit of material gains and desires can distract individuals from the true purpose of their existence, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prepare for the eternal life to come.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:99-100), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.' No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.

This verse highlights the regret that individuals may experience upon facing death, realizing that they were deceived by their aspirations and neglected their spiritual growth. It serves as a reminder that the opportunity for repentance and righteous actions is limited to the duration of one's life, and that death is a barrier that separates the worldly realm from the realm of the hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a profound reflection on the transient nature of worldly aspirations and the ultimate reality of death. It urges Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else. By recognizing the temporary nature of worldly desires and focusing on the eternal consequences of our actions, we can strive for a meaningful and purposeful life that aligns with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize our spiritual growth and guide us on the straight path. May He protect us from being deceived by our aspirations and grant us a good end in this life and the hereafter. Ameen.