Hadith #11334

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

رَدْعُ الهَوى شيمَةُ العُقَلاءِ۔

This can be translated as:

Deterring [the self from] vain desire is a trait of the intelligent ones.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. (rad'u) "رَدْعُ" refers to the act of restraining or deterring oneself. (al-hawa) "الهَوى" refers to vain desires or whims. And (shimat) "شيمَةُ" refers to a distinguishing characteristic or trait. Finally, (al-'uqala') "العُقَلاءِ" refers to the intelligent ones or the wise individuals.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of restraining our desires and following the path of wisdom and intelligence.

In Surah Yusuf, Allah says, (Quran 12:53)

And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the inherent inclination of the self towards evil desires and the need for divine mercy to overcome them. It is only through deterring our vain desires that we can attain intelligence and wisdom.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah says, (Quran 46:26)

And We had certainly established them in such as We have not established you, and We made for them hearing and vision and hearts. But their hearing and vision and hearts availed them not from anything [of the punishment] when they were [continually] rejecting the signs of Allah; and they were enveloped by what they used to ridicule.

This verse highlights the importance of utilizing our faculties of hearing, vision, and hearts to understand and follow the signs of Allah. It is through restraining our vain desires that we can truly comprehend and appreciate the signs of Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that deterring vain desires is a distinguishing trait of the intelligent ones. It implies that those who possess intelligence and wisdom are able to control their desires and make rational decisions based on what is pleasing to Allah. They do not allow their whims to dictate their actions, but rather, they prioritize the obedience of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness.

This trait of deterring vain desires has profound consequences in the life of a Muslim. It enables one to resist temptations, avoid sinful actions, and strive for self-improvement. By deterring vain desires, a Muslim can maintain a strong connection with Allah and seek His pleasure above all else. It allows one to prioritize the long-term benefits of the Hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world.

Moreover, deterring vain desires leads to a life of discipline and self-control. It helps in developing a strong moral character and fosters a sense of responsibility towards oneself and others. It allows a Muslim to make decisions based on wisdom and righteousness, rather than being swayed by momentary desires and impulses.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His profound understanding of human nature and the importance of deterring vain desires serves as a guiding light for Muslims of all generations. It encourages us to strive for intelligence and wisdom, and to constantly evaluate our actions in light of our desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that deterring vain desires is a distinguishing trait of the intelligent ones. It emphasizes the importance of restraining our whims and desires in order to attain wisdom and righteousness. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that support this Hadith, we understand the significance of this trait in the life of a Muslim. May Allah grant us the ability to detour our vain desires and attain true intelligence and wisdom.