Hadith #65

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) states,

If what you aim at does not come about then do not worry as to what you were.

This beautiful saying holds great wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their pursuit of goals and aspirations.

Let us first delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (turiidu) "تُرِيدُ" is derived from the root word (raada) "رَادَ", which means to desire, intend, or aim at something. It signifies the act of setting a goal or having a specific objective in mind. The word (ma) "مَا" is a pronoun that refers to the desired outcome or result. And the word (tubal) "تُبَلْ" is derived from the root word (balagha) "بَلَغَ", which means to reach, attain, or achieve.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216:

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse reminds us that our desires and intentions may not always align with what is truly beneficial for us. We may yearn for something that could ultimately harm us, or we may dislike something that is actually in our best interest. Therefore, when our desired outcome does not materialize, we should not be disheartened or distressed. We must trust in Allah's infinite wisdom and His knowledge of what is truly best for us.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 84, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And say: 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit. And grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse teaches us to seek Allah's guidance and support in every endeavor we undertake. We should strive to enter and exit situations with a firm reliance on Allah, knowing that He is the ultimate source of success and protection. If our desired outcome does not come to fruition, we should remember that it is ultimately Allah's will and that He has a greater plan for us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a mindset of contentment and acceptance. It reminds us that we should not be overly attached to our desires and outcomes, but rather focus on our efforts and leave the results to Allah. This mindset allows us to maintain inner peace and resilience in the face of disappointments or setbacks.

For example, imagine a Muslim who aspires to attain a certain job position. They work diligently, prepare for interviews, and have high hopes of securing the position. However, despite their best efforts, they are not selected for the job. In such a situation, this Hadith advises the Muslim not to dwell on what could have been, but rather to accept the outcome with grace and trust in Allah's plan. They should reflect on the fact that perhaps this job was not meant for them and that Allah has something better in store.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of detachment from worldly desires. It reminds us that our ultimate goal should be to seek the pleasure of Allah and strive for success in the Hereafter. While it is natural to have ambitions and aspirations in this world, we should not allow them to consume us or cause distress when they are not fulfilled. Instead, we should prioritize our spiritual growth and focus on actions that will bring us closer to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to maintain a mindset of contentment and acceptance. It encourages us to trust in Allah's wisdom and plan, even when our desired outcomes do not materialize. By aligning our intentions with the teachings of the Quran and seeking Allah's guidance, we can find peace and fulfillment in both our worldly pursuits and our spiritual journey. May Allah grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.