Hadith #1122

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious and not to excessively prolong their hopes and desires. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and deep understanding of the teachings of Islam, warns us about the dangers of having unrealistic and prolonged hopes.

The key words in this Hadith are (lengthening of hope) "طُولَ الأمَلِ". The word (lengthening) "طُولَ" refers to the act of extending or stretching something beyond its appropriate limit. And (hope) "الأمَلِ" refers to the expectation or desire for something to happen in the future.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 ayah reminds us that the life of this world is temporary and fleeting. It is filled with distractions and temptations that can lead us astray if we become too attached to them. Similarly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the dangers of being deceived by our prolonged hopes and desires. Just as the rain nourishes the plants but eventually dries up, our hopes and desires in this world can also fade away, leaving us empty-handed.

Another ayah that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 23:99-100)

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 ayah highlights the regret that some individuals may experience at the time of their death, wishing for more time to do good deeds. However, it emphasizes that once death approaches, there is no turning back. This serves as a reminder for us to make the most of our time in this world and not to be deceived by the illusion of endless opportunities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us about the consequences of having prolonged hopes. When we excessively extend our hopes and desires, we may become complacent and neglect our responsibilities towards Allah and our fellow human beings. Our actions and deeds may become corrupted, as we prioritize our own desires over what is pleasing to Allah. This can lead to a wasted life, where neither our hopes are fulfilled nor can we regain what we have lost.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of balance and moderation in our hopes and desires. While it is natural to have aspirations and goals, we must also be mindful of the transient nature of this world. We should strive to align our hopes and desires with the teachings of Islam and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious and not to excessively prolong their hopes and desires. By being mindful of the transient nature of this world and aligning our hopes with the teachings of Islam, we can lead a balanced and purposeful life, seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the eternal life in the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the right path and grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble Ahl al-Bayt.