Hadith #1064

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "قَلَّما تَصْدُقُ الآمالُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Rarely do hopes turn out to be true.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (tasduqu) "تَصْدُقُ" in the Hadith refers to the fulfillment or realization of hopes. It implies that hopes or aspirations are seldom realized or come to fruition. This statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of worldly desires and the unpredictability of life's outcomes.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the reality of hopes and desires. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Yunus, verse 23:

But when He saves them, at once they commit injustice upon the earth without right. O mankind, your injustice is only against yourselves, [being merely] the enjoyment of worldly life. Then to Us is your return, and We will inform you of what you used to do.

This verse emphasizes that the fulfillment of desires and hopes in this world often leads to injustice and wrongdoing. People become consumed by their worldly pursuits and neglect their spiritual obligations. They lose sight of the ultimate purpose of life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive for the eternal abode of the Hereafter.

Another verse that complements the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse beautifully illustrates the fleeting nature of worldly hopes and desires. It compares the allure of worldly life to a rain that brings temporary pleasure and growth to plants, but eventually withers away, leaving behind nothing but debris. Similarly, the fulfillment of worldly aspirations may bring temporary satisfaction, but it ultimately leads to disillusionment and emptiness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey over worldly desires. It encourages us to seek contentment and fulfillment in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of righteous deeds, rather than placing our hopes solely in the transitory pleasures of this world.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed profound knowledge and wisdom. His words guide us towards a deeper understanding of the transient nature of worldly hopes and the importance of focusing on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By recognizing the limitations of our desires and aspirations in this world, we can redirect our efforts towards seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for success in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of our hopes and desires, and guide us on the path of righteousness. May He bless us with contentment and fulfillment in this life and the Hereafter. And may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.