Hadith #7161

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,

العاقلُ من عَصَى هَواهُ في طاعَةِ رَبِّهِ

which translates to

The intelligent person is one who opposes his vain desire in obedience to his Lord.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-control and the ability to resist one's base desires in order to submit to the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and concepts it contains. The word (intelligent) "عاقل" refers to a person who possesses wisdom, understanding, and the ability to make sound judgments. It is someone who is able to discern between right and wrong, and act accordingly. (opposes) "عَصَى" signifies going against or resisting something. (vain desire) "هَوَى" refers to one's whims, inclinations, and base desires. And (obedience to his Lord) "طاعَةِ رَبِّهِ" signifies submitting to the commands and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for further guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 highlights the danger of blindly following one's desires without seeking guidance from Allah. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with the divine guidance provided by our Lord. By opposing our vain desires and submitting to Allah's commands, we demonstrate true intelligence and wisdom.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Jathiyah, verse 23:

Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire, and Allah has sent him astray due to knowledge and has set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put over his vision a veil? So who will guide him after Allah? Then will you not be reminded?

This verse warns against making our own desires the object of our worship, as it leads to being misguided and veiled from the truth. It emphasizes the need to prioritize obedience to Allah over our own whims and desires. True intelligence lies in recognizing the limitations of our own desires and submitting to the infinite wisdom of our Lord.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly strive against their base desires and align their actions with the teachings of Islam. It encourages us to exercise self-control and discipline in order to attain spiritual growth and closeness to Allah. By resisting our vain desires and submitting to the will of Allah, we develop a stronger connection with our Creator and pave the way for our own salvation.

This Hadith also highlights the profound knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His words encapsulate the essence of Islamic teachings, emphasizing the importance of self-control and obedience to Allah. As a role model for all Muslims, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified these qualities throughout his life, serving as an inspiration for generations to come.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in opposing our vain desires and submitting to the commands of Allah. It reminds us to prioritize obedience to our Lord over our own whims and inclinations. By doing so, we attain spiritual growth, strengthen our connection with Allah, and pave the way for our own salvation. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to follow the teachings of Islam and resist our base desires.