Hadith #5442

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

اِغْلَبِ الشَّهْوَةَ، تَكْمُلْ لَكَ الحِكْمَةُ۔

This Hadith encourages us to overcome our desires and urges, as doing so will lead to the perfection of our wisdom.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (ighlabi) "اِغْلَبِ" means to overcome or conquer, and it implies exerting control over something. (ash-shahwah) "الشَّهْوَةَ" refers to desires or lusts, which can encompass various aspects of human nature, including physical desires, emotional cravings, and worldly ambitions. (takmul) "تَكْمُلْ" means to complete or perfect, indicating that by conquering our desires, our wisdom will reach its full potential.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-control and overcoming our desires. In Surah Yusuf (12:53), we find the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), who resisted the advances of his master's wife, saying,

Indeed, he was of our chosen servants.

This demonstrates the significance of restraining one's desires for the sake of righteousness and maintaining one's integrity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises Prophet Musa (Moses) to

seek by means of what Allah has given you the home of the Hereafter and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.

This verse highlights the importance of balancing our desires for worldly possessions with our ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter. By overcoming our excessive attachment to material possessions, we can attain a higher level of wisdom and spiritual growth.

The consequences of succumbing to our desires without restraint can be detrimental to our well-being and spiritual development. The Quran warns us in Surah Al-Isra (17:64) that those who follow their desires blindly will be led astray from the straight path. Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) cautions against being swayed by worldly desires, as they can distract us from our purpose in life.

By conquering our desires, we gain control over our own selves and develop the ability to make wise decisions. This self-mastery allows us to prioritize our actions based on the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). It enables us to make choices that are in line with our values and principles, rather than being driven solely by our immediate gratification.

Moreover, overcoming our desires cultivates discipline, patience, and resilience. It strengthens our character and helps us develop virtues such as selflessness, contentment, and gratitude. When we are able to resist our desires, we become less attached to the material world and more focused on attaining spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to overcome our lusts and desires, as doing so leads to the perfection of our wisdom. This wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but encompasses a deep understanding of ourselves, our purpose in life, and our relationship with Allah. By restraining our desires, we gain control over our own selves and align our actions with the teachings of Islam. This self-mastery enables us to make wise decisions and develop virtues that bring us closer to Allah. May we all strive to conquer our desires and attain the perfection of wisdom.