Hadith #11417

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الْيَأْسُ مَسْلاَةٌ" which translates to

Loss of hope [in this world] is a solace.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of not becoming overly attached to the materialistic aspects of this world and finding comfort in detachment from worldly desires.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the Quranic verses that support this exegesis. 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. 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 emphasizes that the worldly life is merely a temporary amusement and distraction. It is a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to see how we navigate through the trials and tribulations of this world. Therefore, becoming too attached to worldly possessions and desires can lead to disappointment and despair.

Another verse that supports this exegesis is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:45), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse beautifully illustrates the transient nature of worldly life. Just as rain brings temporary growth to the earth, which eventually withers away, the pleasures and possessions of this world are fleeting. Therefore, placing excessive hope and attachment in them is futile.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Loss of hope [in this world] is a solace,

encourages us to shift our focus from the temporary joys of this world to the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By detaching ourselves from worldly desires, we find solace in the knowledge that our ultimate purpose lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting life to come.

This does not mean that we should neglect our responsibilities or abandon the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Rather, it calls for a balanced approach where we prioritize our spiritual growth and strive for the betterment of our communities, while recognizing that true contentment lies in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of His pleasure.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that losing hope in the temporary pleasures of this world brings solace to our hearts. It frees us from the constant pursuit of materialistic gains, allowing us to focus on our spiritual development and the attainment of eternal bliss in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to detach ourselves from the allure of this world and find solace in seeking His pleasure. May we be among those who prioritize the Hereafter and strive for the eternal rewards that lie ahead. And may we always remember the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the guidance of the Quran in our journey towards spiritual growth.