Hadith #11330

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Oppose vain desire and you will be safe; turn away from this world and you will benefit.

This thought-provoking Hadith holds great wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their spiritual journey.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this hadith. The word (khālifi) "خالِفِ" means to oppose or go against. It implies resisting and refraining from following one's base desires and whims. The word (al-hawā) "الهَوى" refers to vain desires, inclinations, and temptations that lead one away from the path of righteousness. The word (taslam) "تَسْلَمْ" means to be safe, secure, and protected from harm. Similarly, the word (a'ridh) "أعْرِضْ" means to turn away or abstain from something. And the word (ad-dunyā) "الدُّنْيا" refers to the material world and its transient pleasures. Finally, the word (taghnam) "تَغْنَمْ" means to benefit, gain, or profit.

To understand the deeper meaning of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns us against following our vain desires and attachments to this worldly life. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 50, Allah says, (Quran 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?

This verse emphasizes the importance of opposing vain desires and seeking guidance from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah reminds us, (Quran 57:20)

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion?

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of turning away from them.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to oppose our vain desires and whims, as they often lead us astray from the path of righteousness. By resisting these desires and seeking to align our actions with the teachings of Islam, we can attain safety and protection from the harms and pitfalls of this world. This opposition to vain desires requires self-discipline, self-control, and a strong connection with Allah.

Moreover, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to turn away from the materialistic pursuits of this world. The pursuit of worldly possessions and pleasures can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah and prepare for the Hereafter. By detaching ourselves from the allure of this world, we can focus on cultivating our spirituality, performing good deeds, and seeking closeness to Allah.

The consequences of following this advice are profound. By opposing vain desires and turning away from the materialistic pursuits of this world, we can attain true peace, contentment, and spiritual growth. Our hearts become purified, and we develop a deeper connection with Allah. We become less attached to the transient pleasures of this world and more focused on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to resist their vain desires and turn away from the distractions of this world. By doing so, we can attain safety, protection, and spiritual growth. Let us strive to align our actions with the teachings of Islam, seek guidance from the Quran, and follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our journey towards attaining the pleasure of Allah. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to oppose our vain desires and benefit from turning away from this world.