Hadith #6994

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Seek right guidance from the intellect and oppose vain desire, [by this] you will gain success.

This thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the importance of using our intellect to seek guidance and to resist the temptations of our base desires in order to achieve true success.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (istarsheed) "اِسْتَرْشِدِ" means to seek guidance or to follow the right path. It implies the act of actively seeking knowledge and wisdom in order to make informed decisions. The term (al-'aql) "العَقْلَ" refers to the intellect or rationality, which is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that distinguishes humans from other creations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to seek guidance from our intellect, as it is a powerful tool that enables us to discern between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has repeatedly emphasized the importance of using our intellect in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269, Allah says,

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good.

This verse highlights the significance of seeking wisdom and knowledge, which can only be attained through the proper use of our intellect.

The Hadith also instructs us to (khalif al-hawa) "خالِفِ الهَوى", which means to oppose or go against vain desires. Our base desires, if left unchecked, can lead us astray and hinder our spiritual growth. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the dangers of following our desires without restraint. 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.

This verse reminds us that blindly following our desires can lead us away from the path of righteousness.

By seeking guidance from our intellect and resisting our vain desires, we can attain true success. Success in this context refers to achieving spiritual growth, righteousness, and ultimately, the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is important to note that success in the eyes of Allah is not measured by worldly possessions or material wealth, but rather by our adherence to His commandments and our efforts to purify our souls.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, provides us with this guidance to remind us of the importance of using our intellect and controlling our desires. By doing so, we can make sound decisions, avoid sinful actions, and strive towards righteousness. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly seek knowledge, reflect upon their actions, and strive for self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of seeking guidance from our intellect and resisting our vain desires. By doing so, we can attain true success in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through the proper use of our intellect that we can discern between right and wrong, and it is by resisting our base desires that we can avoid sinful actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to follow this guidance and attain success in this world and the Hereafter.