Hadith #1105

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

لاتَفِى الأمانيُّ لِمَنْ عَوَّلَ عَلَيْها۔

This can be translated as:

Aspirations are not loyal to those who rely on them.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (amani) "أمانيُّ" in this Hadith refers to aspirations, desires, or hopes. It encompasses the dreams and goals that individuals strive for in their lives. These aspirations can be related to various aspects such as wealth, status, relationships, or personal achievements.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that these aspirations are not loyal or trustworthy. They can deceive and disappoint those who solely rely on them. This means that placing complete trust and dependence on one's aspirations alone can lead to disappointment and unfulfilled desires.

To understand the wisdom behind this statement, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us 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 transient nature of worldly aspirations. The pursuit of wealth, status, and material possessions can be enticing, but they are temporary and fleeting. Just like the rain that brings temporary growth to plants, worldly aspirations can also wither away and leave us empty-handed.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the importance of balancing our aspirations for the worldly life with our ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter. While it is essential to strive for success in this world, we must not forget our spiritual obligations and the pursuit of righteousness. Placing excessive reliance on worldly aspirations can lead to corruption and deviation from the path of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to maintain a balanced approach in their pursuit of aspirations. It is crucial to align our aspirations with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Instead of solely relying on our own desires and ambitions, we should prioritize seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for righteous deeds. By doing so, we ensure that our aspirations are rooted in the principles of Islam and are in line with the greater purpose of our existence.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious in placing excessive reliance on their aspirations. While it is natural to have dreams and goals, we must remember that they are not inherently trustworthy or loyal. By aligning our aspirations with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can ensure that our pursuits are grounded in righteousness and ultimately lead to success in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the right path and grant us success in our endeavors.