Hadith #9317

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The sagacious person is one who controls the reins of his lustful desires.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (kayyis) "كَيِّسُ" refers to a person who possesses wisdom, intelligence, and prudence. It is someone who exercises sound judgment and makes wise decisions. The word (malaka) "مَلَكَ" means to possess control or mastery over something. And (inan) "عِنَانَ" refers to the reins that are used to control a horse.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support and elucidate the meaning of this Hadith. 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 controlling our desires and impulses. The sagacious person, as mentioned in the Hadith, is one who is aware of the temptations and distractions of this world and seeks refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) when faced with such challenges.

Furthermore, in Surah Yusuf (12:24), we find the story of Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who was faced with the temptation of Zulaykha. Despite her advances, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) firmly resisted and said,

My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. And if You do not avert from me their plan, I might incline toward them and [thus] be of the ignorant.

This verse exemplifies the control over lustful desires that the sagacious person possesses. They prioritize their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over temporary worldly pleasures.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-control and discipline. It reminds us that true wisdom lies in restraining our desires and not allowing them to overpower us. When we are able to control our lustful desires, we are able to make rational and wise decisions that align with the teachings of Islam.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to strive for self-improvement. It encourages us to reflect on our own desires and impulses, and to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny. By doing so, we can attain true wisdom and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of controlling our lustful desires and exercising self-discipline. It reminds us that true wisdom lies in restraining our desires and seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can lead a righteous and fulfilling life, in accordance with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to control our desires and seek His pleasure.