Hadith #11389

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 noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-control and self-restraint. Let us delve into the profound wisdom contained in this Hadith and explore its exegesis in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (hawak) "هَواكَ", which refers to vain desires or whims. It encompasses all the base desires and inclinations that can lead a person astray from the path of righteousness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to control and subdue these desires, not allowing them to dictate our actions and choices.

The second significant word is (shuhh) "شُحَّ", which means stinginess or miserliness. In this context, it refers to being stingy with oneself, restraining from indulging in things that are forbidden. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that this self-imposed stinginess is the essence of honor. It is through self-restraint and self-discipline that one attains true nobility and dignity.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-control and self-restraint.

In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah says, (Quran 7:8-9)

And the weighing [of deeds] that Day will be the truth. So those whose scales are heavy - it is they who will be the successful. And those whose scales are light - they are the ones who have lost themselves for what injustice they were doing toward Our verses.

This ayah highlights the significance of controlling one's desires and actions. Those who exercise self-restraint and refrain from indulging in forbidden acts will find success on the Day of Judgment. On the other hand, those who succumb to their whims and engage in unjust actions will face the consequences of their own choices.

In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah says, (Quran 46:26)

And We had certainly established them in such as We have not established you, and We made for them hearing and vision and hearts. But their hearing and vision and hearts availed them not from anything [of the punishment] when they were [continually] rejecting the signs of Allah; and they were enveloped by what they used to ridicule.

This verse reminds us that possessing knowledge and understanding alone is not enough if one does not exercise self-control. The people mentioned in this ayah had been granted hearing, vision, and hearts, but their lack of self-restraint caused them to reject the signs of Allah and face the consequences of their actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their desires and to exercise self-control. By restraining ourselves from engaging in forbidden acts, we uphold the principles of honor and righteousness.

Practicing self-restraint not only protects us from the negative consequences of indulging in forbidden actions but also helps us develop a strong sense of discipline and self-discipline. It allows us to prioritize our spiritual growth and strive for a higher level of morality and piety.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to control their vain desires and be stingy with themselves in regards to what is forbidden. By exercising self-restraint, we attain true honor and dignity. This Hadith aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of self-control and self-discipline. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to follow the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and attain true honor in this world and the Hereafter.