Hadith #5482

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A servant will never be destroyed until he prefers his lust over his religion.

This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's faith over worldly desires and temptations.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "servant" refers to every individual who submits to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses both men and women, regardless of their social status or background. The term "destroyed" implies spiritual ruin and loss of salvation. It signifies the ultimate failure to attain true success in this life and the Hereafter.

The word "lust" in this Hadith refers to the base desires and inclinations that can lead a person astray. It encompasses various forms of temptations, such as greed, lust for power, material possessions, and illicit desires. These desires, if given precedence over one's religion, can lead to spiritual downfall and moral corruption.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:14),

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse reminds us that worldly desires, although alluring, are temporary and fleeting. They are merely a means of enjoyment in this worldly life, while the true and everlasting reward lies with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Therefore, it is imperative for Muslims to prioritize their faith and not allow their desires to overshadow their devotion to Allah and His religion.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and highlights the importance of focusing on enduring good deeds that will benefit us in the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of material desires should not overshadow our commitment to our faith and the performance of righteous deeds.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their priorities and ensure that their faith takes precedence over their worldly desires. It urges us to reflect on our actions and choices, and to strive for a balance between our material needs and our spiritual obligations.

By prioritizing our religion over our lusts, we safeguard ourselves from spiritual destruction and pave the way for eternal success. This Hadith encourages us to resist the temptations of this world and to remain steadfast in our commitment to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His religion.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to prioritize our faith over our desires, and may He protect us from spiritual ruin. Ameen.