Hadith #1564

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, and his noble companions.

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

رُبَّ صَبابَة غُرِسَتْ مِنْ لَحْظَة۔

This translates to:

Many a passion is aroused by a [single] glance.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (sababah) "صَبابَة" refers to a passion or desire that is ignited within a person. It can be an intense feeling or inclination towards someone or something. The word (ghurisat) "غُرِسَتْ" means to be planted or sown, implying that this passion is deeply rooted within the heart. And finally, the word (lahzah) "لَحْظَة" signifies a moment or a glance, indicating that this passion can be triggered by a single look or encounter.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nur (24:30):

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of lowering our gaze and restraining our desires. It serves as a reminder that a single glance can ignite a passion that may lead to sinful actions.

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 highlights the consequences of indulging in unlawful desires. It warns us against approaching anything that may lead to immoral actions, including the initial glance or thought that sparks the flame of passion.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of their actions and to guard their hearts and eyes. It teaches us that a momentary glance, if not controlled, can plant the seed of a passionate desire within us. This desire, if left unchecked, can lead us down a path of sin and disobedience to Allah.

For example, a person may innocently glance at someone and find them attractive. If they do not control their thoughts and actions, this initial attraction can grow into an obsession, leading to immoral behavior such as adultery or fornication. This Hadith serves as a warning against the dangers of allowing our desires to take control of our actions.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of self-discipline and self-control. It reminds us that we have the power to control our desires and passions. By lowering our gaze and redirecting our thoughts towards what is pleasing to Allah, we can prevent the seed of passion from taking root within us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to guard their hearts and eyes. It teaches us that a single glance can ignite a passionate desire within us, which, if not controlled, can lead to sinful actions. By adhering to the guidance of the Quran and exercising self-discipline, we can protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of unchecked desires. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to control our passions and lead a life that is pleasing to Him.