Hadith #11349

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

قاتِلْ هَواكَ بِعَقْلِكَ، تَمْلِكْ رُشْدَكَ۔

This powerful statement can be translated as,

Combat your vain desire with your intellect and you will acquire right guidance.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith by examining its key words. The word (hawa) "هَوَا" refers to vain desires or whims, which are often driven by our lower inclinations and can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. (aql) "عَقْلِكَ" means intellect or reason, which is a divine gift bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through the use of our intellect that we can discern between right and wrong, and make informed decisions that align with the teachings of Islam. (rushd) "رُشْدَكَ" refers to right guidance, which is the path of righteousness and adherence to the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56),

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes that true guidance comes from Allah alone. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that we have a role to play in seeking and acquiring this guidance. We must actively combat our vain desires, which can cloud our judgment and lead us away from the path of righteousness.

The Quran also teaches us the importance of using our intellect to discern between right and wrong. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights the significance of Taqwa, which is God-consciousness and piety. It is through the use of our intellect that we can develop and nurture Taqwa, enabling us to combat our vain desires and stay on the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to engage in a constant struggle against our vain desires, using our intellect as a weapon. By doing so, we gain control over our actions and thoughts, and acquire right guidance. This struggle is not easy, as our vain desires can be strong and tempting. However, through the use of our intellect, we can make rational and informed decisions that are in line with the teachings of Islam.

Let us reflect on the consequences of following this advice. When we combat our vain desires with our intellect, we are able to make choices that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We become more conscious of our actions and strive to align them with the principles of Islam. This leads to personal growth, spiritual development, and a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We become individuals who are guided by reason and wisdom, and our decisions are based on a deep understanding of the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to combat their vain desires with their intellect. By doing so, we acquire right guidance and align our actions with the teachings of Islam. This Hadith emphasizes the importance of using our God-given intellect to discern between right and wrong, and make informed decisions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to combat our vain desires and acquire right guidance.