Hadith #5467

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of opposing and fighting against our desires and lusts. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran.

The word (shahwah) "شَهْوَةَ" in the Hadith refers to desires or lusts that arise within us. These desires can manifest in various forms, such as the desire for wealth, power, fame, or physical pleasure. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to oppose these desires with the same intensity and determination that a rival opposes his opponent. This implies that we should not passively submit to our desires, but rather actively resist and counteract them.

The word (diddahu) "ضِدَّهُ" in the Hadith means "his rival" or "his opponent." It signifies the need to confront our desires head-on, just as a rival confronts his opponent in a competition. This implies that we should not underestimate the power of our desires and treat them lightly. Instead, we should recognize them as formidable adversaries that require our utmost attention and effort to overcome.

To further understand the significance of opposing our desires, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Yusuf (12:53) about the dangers of following our desires blindly:

And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the inherent inclination of the soul towards evil desires. It serves as a reminder that our desires can lead us astray if we do not actively resist and oppose them. By recognizing the power of our desires and actively fighting against them, we can seek the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that sheds light on the importance of opposing our desires is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50):

But if they do not respond to you - then know that they only follow their [own] desires. And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allah? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

This verse emphasizes that those who follow their desires without seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are misguided. It highlights the need to resist the temptations of our desires and instead seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to fight our desires as we would fight an enemy. This implies that we should not only resist our desires but actively engage in a battle against them. Just as an enemy poses a threat to our well-being, our desires can also harm us spiritually and morally if left unchecked.

To illustrate the consequences of succumbing to our desires, we can refer to Surah Al-Qasas (28:55):

And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'

This verse highlights the importance of distancing ourselves from sinful speech and actions. By fighting against our desires, we can avoid being influenced by negative influences and maintain our moral integrity. It reminds us that we are responsible for our own actions, and we should strive to make choices that align with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to actively oppose and fight against their desires. By recognizing the strength of our desires and actively resisting them, we can safeguard our spiritual well-being and strive towards righteousness. Let us take inspiration from the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek guidance from the Quran to overcome the challenges posed by our desires. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to follow this advice and attain success in this world and the Hereafter.