Hadith #1151

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, and his noble companions.

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

رُبَّ اُمْنِيَّة تَحتَ مَنِيَّة۔

This can be translated as,

Many an aspiration may lie beneath death.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement and explore its implications in the light of the Quran.

The word (umniyyah) "امنية" in this Hadith refers to aspirations, hopes, or desires that individuals hold dear to their hearts. These aspirations can be related to various aspects of life, such as wealth, status, power, or worldly achievements. The word (maniyyah) "منية" means death, which is the inevitable end that every human being will face.

This Hadith reminds us that many of our worldly aspirations and desires may remain unfulfilled when we face the reality of death. It serves as a powerful reminder that our time in this world is limited and that we should prioritize our actions and aspirations accordingly.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185),

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse emphasizes the certainty of death and the fact that the true reward for our actions will be granted in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:64), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and reminds us that the real life lies in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we realize the importance of prioritizing our actions and aspirations. While it is not wrong to have worldly goals and ambitions, we must remember that they should not consume us to the extent that we neglect our spiritual growth and preparation for the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to reflect on the transient nature of this world and to focus on the eternal life that awaits us. By doing so, we can align our aspirations with the teachings of Islam and strive for actions that will bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

For example, instead of solely pursuing material wealth, we should also prioritize acts of charity and generosity. Instead of seeking power and authority for personal gain, we should strive for justice and fairness in our dealings with others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our worldly responsibilities but also earn rewards in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect on the transient nature of worldly aspirations in the face of death. It urges us to prioritize our actions and align our aspirations with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can lead a balanced and purposeful life, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life that lies ahead. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand this message and the strength to act upon it.