Hadith #10708

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes the most wretched person as someone who is overcome by their vain desires. Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (ashqa) "أشْقَى" refers to the most wretched or miserable person. It signifies a state of extreme unhappiness and misfortune. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the severity of the condition of such an individual.

The term (ghalabahu hawah) "غَلَبَهُ هَواهُ" means being overcome or dominated by one's vain desires. It refers to a person who allows their base desires and whims to control their actions and decisions. This person lacks self-control and is easily swayed by their own desires, regardless of their consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that as a result of being overcome by their vain desires, this person's worldly life gains mastery over them. They become slaves to their desires, indulging in materialistic pursuits and neglecting their spiritual growth. Their priorities become skewed, and they prioritize temporary pleasures over eternal rewards.

To support this understanding, we find guidance in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 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 the danger of blindly following one's desires without seeking guidance from Allah. It highlights the misguided nature of those who prioritize their own desires over the commandments of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also mentions that this person corrupts their Hereafter. By succumbing to their vain desires, they engage in sinful actions that lead them away from the path of righteousness. They neglect their spiritual development and fail to fulfill their obligations towards Allah and their fellow human beings.

In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 84, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us:

But whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.

This verse highlights the consequences of neglecting the remembrance of Allah and being engrossed in worldly desires. Such a person will lead a life of depression and spiritual emptiness, and on the Day of Resurrection, they will be gathered blind, devoid of guidance and light.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-control and prioritizing our spiritual growth over worldly desires. We must strive to align our actions with the guidance of Allah and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can avoid falling into the trap of being overcome by our vain desires and ensure a prosperous Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome our base desires and prioritize our spiritual growth. May He guide us on the straight path and protect us from the wretchedness of being slaves to our own desires. Ameen.