Hadith #10707

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtues of self-restraint and detachment from worldly desires. Let us delve into the exegesis of this impactful Hadith and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (resists/disobeys) "عَصَى", (vain desires) "هَوَاهُ", (rejects) "رَفَضَ", and (worldly life) "دُنْيَاهُ".

The word "عَصَى" refers to resisting or disobeying one's own vain desires. It implies that the best person is the one who has the strength and determination to control their desires and refrain from indulging in sinful actions. This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in Surah Yusuf (12:53), where Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) resists the advances of Zulaykha, saying,

Indeed, he was of our chosen servants.

The term "هَوَاهُ" refers to vain desires or whims. It encompasses the inclinations of the self towards worldly pleasures, material possessions, and temporary gratifications. The best person is the one who resists and overcomes these desires, seeking instead the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quran emphasizes the importance of restraining one's desires in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), where it states,

But if they do not respond to you - then know that they only follow their own desires.

The word "رَفَضَ" means to reject or turn away from something. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies the rejection of the pleasures and attractions of worldly life. The best person is the one who recognizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and chooses to prioritize the eternal rewards of the hereafter. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Quran in Surah Al-A'raf (7:169), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And they rejected them, while their [inner] selves were convinced thereof, out of injustice and haughtiness.

The term "دُنْيَاهُ" refers to the worldly life and its temporary pleasures. The best person is the one who does not become attached to the materialistic aspects of this life, realizing that true success lies in the obedience and worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quran repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions, such as in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where it states,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the importance of self-control, detachment from worldly desires, and prioritizing the eternal over the temporary. It encourages Muslims to resist the temptations of this world and focus on the ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By rejecting the pleasures of this worldly life, one can attain spiritual growth, develop a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and pave the way for success in the hereafter.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their priorities and strive for self-improvement. It urges us to resist the allure of worldly pleasures and instead invest our time and efforts in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving humanity. By doing so, we can emulate the exemplary character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was renowned for his knowledge, piety, and self-restraint.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of resisting our vain desires and rejecting the attractions of this worldly life. It calls upon Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over temporary gratifications. May we all strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our journey towards righteousness and success in both this world and the hereafter.