Hadith #7276

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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,

He who is overcome by anger and lust should not be counted as an intelligent person.

This impactful saying highlights the importance of controlling one's emotions and desires in order to attain true intelligence and wisdom.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ghadab) "غَضَبُ" refers to anger, while (shahwah) "شَهْوَةُ" refers to lust or desire. These two emotions, if left unchecked, can lead a person astray and cloud their judgment. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that one who is overwhelmed by these emotions cannot be considered truly intelligent.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 134,

Those who spend [in Allah's cause] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling anger and forgiving others, as it is a characteristic beloved by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In another verse, Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 5, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the successful believers, stating,

And they who turn away from ill speech and they who are observant of zakah and they who guard their private parts.

This verse highlights the importance of restraining one's desires and maintaining purity in one's actions.

Reflecting on these Quranic verses, we can understand that controlling anger and lust is not only a sign of intelligence but also a characteristic of a true believer. When a person allows their anger to overpower them, they may act impulsively and say or do things that they later regret. Similarly, when one succumbs to their desires, they may engage in actions that are harmful to themselves and others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the need to overcome these base desires in order to attain true intelligence. By controlling our anger and lust, we can make rational decisions and act in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

The consequences of failing to control these emotions can be detrimental both in this world and the hereafter. Anger can lead to broken relationships, loss of opportunities, and even physical harm. Lust, if not restrained, can lead to immoral behavior, damaging one's reputation and spiritual well-being.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon every Muslim to strive towards mastering their emotions and desires. This requires self-discipline, self-reflection, and seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can attain true intelligence, make sound judgments, and lead a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to strive towards controlling their anger and lust. By doing so, we can attain true intelligence, make wise decisions, and lead a life in accordance with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to overcome these base desires and attain true wisdom.