Hadith #8118

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever is overpowered by his anger and lust, then he is in the category of beasts.

This powerful statement highlights the importance of controlling our emotions and desires, as failing to do so reduces us to the level of animals.

Let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith. (ghalaba 'alayhi) "غَلَبَ عَلَيْهِ" means to be overpowered or dominated by something. In this context, it refers to being overwhelmed by anger and lust. (ghadabuhu) "غَضَبُهُ" signifies anger, while (shahwatu) "شَهْوَتُهُ" refers to lust or desire. Finally, (hayyiz al-baha'im) "حَيِّزِ البَهائِمِ" translates to the category of beasts or animals.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179),

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse emphasizes that those who allow their desires and anger to overpower them are akin to livestock, lacking understanding, insight, and awareness. They are driven solely by their base instincts, neglecting their higher faculties of reason and intellect. Such individuals are spiritually lost and oblivious to the consequences of their actions.

Another verse that sheds light on the importance of controlling our desires can be found in Surah Yusuf (12:53). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 human soul towards evil desires. However, it also emphasizes that Allah's mercy can save us from the clutches of our own desires. By seeking His forgiveness and guidance, we can overcome our base instincts and elevate ourselves above the level of animals.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for self-control and self-discipline. It urges us to resist the temptations of anger and lust, which can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. By mastering our emotions and desires, we can attain a higher level of spirituality and moral excellence.

Let us reflect on the consequences of allowing anger and lust to dominate our actions. Anger, when uncontrolled, can lead to destructive behavior, strained relationships, and regrettable decisions. Similarly, unchecked lust can lead to immoral actions, broken families, and a loss of self-respect. By succumbing to these base desires, we distance ourselves from the teachings of Islam and tarnish our character.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying serves as a call to action for Muslims to cultivate self-awareness and self-restraint. It reminds us to seek refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to strive for self-improvement. By harnessing our emotions and desires, we can rise above the level of animals and embody the noble qualities that Allah has bestowed upon us as human beings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to control their anger and lust. It highlights the importance of self-discipline and self-control in order to avoid descending to the level of animals. By seeking guidance from the Quran and emulating the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to overcome our base desires and elevate ourselves spiritually. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to master our emotions and desires, and may He guide us on the path of righteousness.