Hadith #1086

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first word we will examine is (amalaka) "أمَلَكَ", which translates to

what you hope for

or "your aspirations." This word signifies the desires and ambitions that individuals have in their lives. It encompasses both worldly and spiritual goals that one seeks to achieve.

The second word is (ajalaka) "أجَلَكَ", which means "your appointed time" or "death." This word reminds us of the inevitable reality that every soul shall taste death. It emphasizes the transient nature of life and the certainty of our eventual return to our Creator.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to (ittaqi Allah) "اتَّقِ اللّهَ", which can be translated as

be conscious of Allah

or "fear Allah." This phrase encompasses the concept of taqwa, which is the consciousness of Allah's presence and the fear of displeasing Him. It calls upon Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of life.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to (ajmil fi at-talab) "أجْمِلْ في الطَّلَبِ", which means

be moderate in your desires

or

be balanced in your pursuits.

This phrase highlights the importance of avoiding excessive attachment to worldly desires and seeking a balanced approach in our endeavors. It encourages Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and seek contentment in the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Imran, Ayah 185:

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of life and the ultimate reality of death. It serves as a reminder that our true reward and fulfillment lie in the Hereafter, and that worldly desires are merely temporary and illusory. It echoes the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in urging us to be conscious of Allah and to prioritize our spiritual growth over worldly pursuits.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas, Ayah 77, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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 seeking the Hereafter while also fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. It encourages Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly pursuits and their spiritual growth. It echoes the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in urging us to be moderate in our desires and to avoid corruption in our pursuits.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to be conscious of Allah and to seek a balanced approach in their endeavors. It highlights the transient nature of life and the certainty of death, urging us to prioritize our spiritual growth and seek contentment in the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. May we all strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and attain success in both this world and the Hereafter.