Hadith #11371

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

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

Mani ittaba'a hawahu a'maahu, wa asammahu, wa adhallahu, wa adhallahu.

This Hadith carries a wise message about the consequences of following one's vain desires. Let us delve into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word "hawahu" in the Hadith refers to one's vain desires or whims. It signifies the inclinations and cravings that arise from the lower self, which often lead a person away from the path of righteousness. Following these desires blindly can have detrimental effects on one's spiritual and moral well-being.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the dangers of following our vain desires. In Surah Al-Jathiya (45:23), 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 a person prioritizes their own desires over the guidance of Allah, they become blind, deaf, and misguided.

The consequences of following vain desires are described in the Hadith as (blinds him) "a'maahu", (deafens him) "asammahu", (humiliates him) "adhallahu", and (misguides him) "adhallahu". These words paint a vivid picture of the spiritual and moral decline that occurs when one becomes a slave to their whims.

Blindness, in this context, refers to the loss of insight and understanding. When a person becomes engrossed in their desires, they are unable to see the truth and the consequences of their actions. Allah warns us in the Quran in Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:23),

And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allah?

This verse highlights that following one's desires without guidance from Allah leads to a state of spiritual blindness.

Deafness, as mentioned in the Hadith, signifies the inability to hear and comprehend the truth. When one is consumed by their desires, they become deaf to the guidance of Allah and the wise counsel of others. Allah reminds us in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50),

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 emphasizes that those who follow their desires without seeking guidance from Allah are deaf to the truth.

Humiliation is another consequence of following vain desires. When a person becomes a slave to their whims, they often engage in actions that are morally questionable or even sinful. As a result, they bring shame and humiliation upon themselves. Allah warns us in Surah Al-Qasas (28:55),

And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'

This verse reminds us that those who follow their desires without restraint will ultimately face humiliation and regret.

Misguidance is the final consequence mentioned in the Hadith. When a person allows their desires to dictate their actions, they are led astray from the straight path of righteousness. Allah warns us in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50),

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 emphasizes that those who follow their desires without seeking guidance from Allah are prone to being misguided.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-control and the need to align our desires with the teachings of Islam. It serves as a warning against the dangers of succumbing to our whims and urges. By following the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), we can protect ourselves from the blindness, deafness, humiliation, and misguidance that result from following vain desires.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome our vain desires and guide us on the straight path. May we always seek His guidance and strive to align our actions with His teachings. Ameen.