Hadith #10371

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, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the importance of self-control and the dangers of following one's base desires. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its meaning in the light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (obeying the self) "طاعَةَ النَّفْسِ" and (vain desires) "أهْوِيَتِها". The word "طاعَةَ" refers to obedience, while "النَّفْسِ" refers to the self or the ego. The term "أهْوِيَتِها" refers to the vain desires or whims of the self.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of following our own desires in Surah Al-Jathiya (45:23), where He says,

Have you seen he who has taken as his god his own desire? Then would you be responsible for him?

This verse emphasizes that when we prioritize our own desires over the commandments of Allah, we essentially make our desires our god. This leads to deviation from the straight path and exposes us to tribulations and aberrance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of following our own desires by saying,

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?

This verse highlights that those who follow their own desires without seeking guidance from Allah are indeed misguided. They are prone to making wrong decisions and falling into tribulations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in his profound wisdom, reminds us that obeying the self and following its vain desires is the root cause of every tribulation. When we prioritize our own desires over the commandments of Allah, we open ourselves up to a multitude of problems. We become susceptible to making decisions based on temporary gratification rather than long-term benefit. This can lead to moral, spiritual, and even worldly consequences.

For example, if a person is driven by their desire for wealth and material possessions, they may resort to unethical means such as fraud or exploitation to fulfill their desires. This not only harms others but also tarnishes their own character and integrity. Similarly, if a person is driven by their desire for power and authority, they may engage in oppressive behavior and disregard the rights of others.

On the other hand, if we strive to control our desires and align them with the teachings of Islam, we can avoid falling into aberrance and tribulations. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-control and restraining our desires. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:201), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages us to exercise self-control by avoiding excessive indulgence in worldly desires and instead focusing on what is good and beneficial. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the pitfalls of following our vain desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize obedience to Allah over the whims of their own selves. It highlights the dangers of following our vain desires and the consequences that can arise from such actions. By exercising self-control and aligning our desires with the teachings of Islam, we can safeguard ourselves from tribulations and remain on the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our base desires and seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.