Hadith #11343

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "غُرُورُ الهَوى يَخْدَعُ۔" This can be translated as,

The delusions of vain desire beguile.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ghuroor) "غُرُورُ" refers to the deceptive nature of something that appears attractive and alluring, but in reality, it is false and misleading. It is a state of being deceived or deluded. The word (hawa) "هَوَى" refers to vain desires or whims. It signifies the inclinations and passions that arise from the self, often leading one astray from the path of righteousness.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of following our vain desires. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 50, Allah says,

But if they do not respond to you - then know that they only follow their own desires. And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allah? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

This ayah highlights the consequences of blindly following one's desires without seeking guidance from Allah. It leads to misguidance and deviation from the right path. Similarly, in Surah Al-Jathiyah, verse 23, Allah says,

Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire, and Allah has sent him astray due to knowledge and has set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put over his vision a veil? So who will guide him after Allah? Then will you not be reminded?

This verse emphasizes that when one prioritizes their own desires over the guidance of Allah, they are led astray and their hearts and minds become veiled from the truth. They become trapped in their own delusions, unable to see the reality.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the deceptive nature of vain desires. He reminds us that these desires can easily lead us astray and deceive us. They may appear attractive and promising, but in reality, they are mere illusions that distract us from the path of righteousness.

Let us reflect on the consequences of succumbing to our vain desires. When we prioritize our own desires over the commandments of Allah, we risk engaging in actions that are displeasing to Him. We may indulge in forbidden relationships, engage in dishonest practices, or neglect our religious obligations. These actions not only distance us from Allah but also have negative consequences in our worldly lives.

For example, if we prioritize our desire for material wealth and engage in unethical means to acquire it, we may face legal consequences, damage our reputation, and experience a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. On the other hand, if we prioritize our desire for temporary pleasures and engage in sinful acts, we may harm ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be cautious and vigilant against the delusions of vain desires. He encourages us to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to ensure that our actions align with the will of Allah. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the deceptive nature of vain desires and safeguard our faith and well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be aware of the delusions of vain desires. It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) to avoid being deceived and led astray. By prioritizing the pleasure of Allah over our own desires, we can attain true success and fulfillment in this life and the hereafter. May Allah protect us from the allure of vain desires and guide us on the straight path.