Hadith #5466

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "ضادُّوا الشَّهْوَةَ بِالقَمْعِ۔" This can be translated into English as

Counter lust with restraint.

In this amazing Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of self-control and moderation in dealing with our desires and passions.

To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (counter) "ضادُّوا" implies opposing or resisting something. (lust) "الشَّهْوَةَ" refers to the intense desire or craving for something, often associated with physical or sexual desires. And finally, (with restraint) "بِالقَمْعِ" signifies the act of controlling or restraining oneself.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the significance of self-control and moderation in our lives. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:201),

Indeed, those who fear Allah - when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.

This verse highlights the importance of remembering Allah and seeking His guidance when faced with temptations and desires. It is through this remembrance and insight that we can counter our lustful inclinations with restraint.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse serves as a reminder to Muslims to exercise self-control and avoid indulging in unlawful desires. By restraining ourselves from engaging in forbidden acts, we demonstrate our obedience to Allah's commandments and protect ourselves from the harmful consequences of such actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Counter lust with restraint,

serves as a guiding principle for Muslims in their daily lives. It encourages us to exercise self-discipline and self-restraint when faced with temptations and desires. By doing so, we are able to maintain our moral integrity and protect ourselves from the negative consequences that may arise from succumbing to our base desires.

For example, when faced with the temptation of engaging in illicit relationships, we should counter that lustful inclination by restraining ourselves and adhering to the teachings of Islam. This not only safeguards our own spiritual well-being but also promotes a healthy and harmonious society.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us that self-control is not limited to physical desires alone. It extends to all aspects of our lives, including our emotions, speech, and actions. By exercising restraint in our interactions with others, we can avoid hurting or offending them. This fosters a culture of respect, compassion, and understanding within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Counter lust with restraint

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to exercise self-control and moderation in dealing with our desires and passions. It urges us to counter our lustful inclinations by restraining ourselves and adhering to the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we not only protect ourselves from the harmful consequences of indulging in forbidden acts but also cultivate a virtuous and righteous character. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to implement this guidance in our lives.