Hadith #11149

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The cornerstone of God-wariness is abandoning lustful desires.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of self-control and the rejection of base desires in the path of attaining God-consciousness.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (taqwa) "تَقْوَى" is often translated as "God-wariness" or "piety." It encompasses a state of consciousness and mindfulness, where one is constantly aware of Allah's presence and seeks to please Him in all aspects of life. Taqwa is the foundation of righteousness and the key to attaining closeness to Allah.

The word (tarak) "تَرْكُ" means "abandoning" or "leaving." In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the act of consciously refraining from indulging in lustful desires. Lustful desires, or (ash-shahwa) "الشَّهْوَةِ", encompass a wide range of inclinations, such as greed, gluttony, sexual desires, and other worldly temptations that divert one's attention from the path of righteousness.

To further understand the significance of abandoning lustful desires as the cornerstone of taqwa, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:45),

Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of prayer in restraining oneself from immoral actions and desires. By engaging in regular prayer and remembrance of Allah, one develops the strength to resist temptations and maintain taqwa.

Another verse that sheds light on the significance of abandoning lustful desires is found in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the early Muslims in Madinah, who were able to overcome their own desires and prioritize the needs of others. By conquering their inner desires, they attained success in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for self-control and discipline in all aspects of life. By abandoning lustful desires, we not only purify our souls but also strengthen our relationship with Allah. This act of self-restraint leads to a heightened state of taqwa, enabling us to make choices that are pleasing to Allah and beneficial for our spiritual growth.

The consequences of abandoning lustful desires are profound. It allows us to break free from the shackles of worldly attachments and focus on our ultimate purpose in life, which is to worship Allah and seek His pleasure. By practicing self-control, we become more conscious of our actions and develop a stronger sense of accountability. This, in turn, leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life, both in this world and the hereafter.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words, we are reminded of the importance of self-discipline and the need to constantly strive for self-improvement. By abandoning lustful desires, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to overcome our base desires and attain true taqwa.