Hadith #10470

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The souls have certain evil natures [and characteristics] and wisdom forbids [one from] them.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inherent inclination towards evil that exists within human souls. It emphasizes the importance of wisdom in restraining and preventing these evil tendencies from manifesting in our actions.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (taba'iyu) "طَبَايِعُ" refers to the inherent or natural inclinations and tendencies that exist within human souls. These inclinations can be both good and evil. The word (su') "سُوء" denotes evil or negative characteristics and actions. And the word (hikmah) "حِكْمَةُ" refers to wisdom, which encompasses knowledge, understanding, and the ability to discern between right and wrong.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support and elaborate on the concept mentioned in this Hadith. For instance, 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.

This verse acknowledges the inherent inclination of the soul towards evil and highlights the need for divine mercy to overcome it.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes, We are Able to put together in perfect order the tips of his fingers.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has complete control over our physical and spiritual beings, including our inclinations towards evil. It serves as a reminder that we are accountable for our actions and that wisdom should guide us in restraining our evil tendencies.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the role of wisdom in restraining and preventing these evil inclinations from manifesting in our actions. Wisdom acts as a guiding light, enabling us to make decisions that align with the teachings of Islam and prevent us from succumbing to our base desires.

For example, when faced with the temptation to engage in dishonesty or deceit, wisdom reminds us of the Quranic injunctions to be truthful and just in all our dealings. It encourages us to resist the urge to harm others for personal gain and instead choose the path of righteousness and integrity.

Furthermore, wisdom helps us recognize the consequences of our actions. It enables us to reflect on the potential harm that may result from following our evil inclinations. By exercising wisdom, we can avoid the negative consequences that arise from succumbing to our base desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of self-reflection and self-discipline. It urges us to constantly strive to improve ourselves and resist the temptations of our evil inclinations. By cultivating wisdom and seeking guidance from the Quran, we can overcome our base desires and align our actions with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inherent inclination towards evil that exists within human souls. It emphasizes the role of wisdom in restraining and preventing these evil tendencies from manifesting in our actions. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that support this concept and understanding the importance of wisdom, Muslims can strive to overcome their base desires and align their actions with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to resist evil and guide us on the path of righteousness.