Hadith #2727

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.

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

Kullama qawiati alhikmatu da'ufati alshahwah.

This Hadith highlights the inverse relationship between wisdom and lust. As wisdom grows stronger, lust weakens.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. "Hikmah" refers to wisdom, which encompasses knowledge, understanding, and the ability to make sound judgments. It is the application of knowledge in a way that leads to righteousness and guidance. "Shahwah" refers to lust or desire, specifically the base desires of the self that can lead to sinful actions.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom and knowledge. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 16:78)

And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He made for you hearing and vision and intellect that perhaps you would be grateful

This verse highlights the importance of utilizing the intellect and acquiring knowledge as a means of gratitude towards Allah.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages seeking wisdom and knowledge in various other verses. In Surah Al-Zumar, Allah says, (Quran 39:18)

So give good tidings to My servants who listen to speech and follow the best of it. Those are the ones Allah has guided, and those are people of understanding

This verse emphasizes the importance of listening to beneficial knowledge and following the best of it, which leads to guidance and understanding.

Now, let us reflect on the relationship between wisdom and lust as mentioned in the Hadith. When a person acquires wisdom and knowledge, they gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of their actions. They become aware of the fleeting nature of worldly desires and the importance of prioritizing the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. This heightened awareness weakens the power of lust and desire, as the individual becomes more focused on fulfilling their spiritual needs rather than indulging in temporary pleasures.

For example, a person who possesses wisdom and knowledge understands the harmful effects of excessive materialism and the pursuit of worldly pleasures. They recognize that true contentment and fulfillment lie in seeking the pleasure of Allah and engaging in acts of worship. This understanding leads them to control their desires and prioritize their spiritual growth over the fulfillment of base desires.

Moreover, wisdom enables individuals to make informed decisions and exercise self-restraint. They are able to analyze situations from a broader perspective, considering the long-term consequences rather than succumbing to immediate gratification. This ability to exercise self-control weakens the power of lust and prevents individuals from falling into sinful behaviors.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inverse relationship between wisdom and lust. As wisdom grows stronger, lust weakens. This Hadith reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding, as it leads to self-control, righteousness, and the weakening of base desires. By prioritizing wisdom and nurturing our intellect, we can overcome the temptations of this world and strive towards spiritual growth and closeness to Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom to distinguish between right and wrong and the strength to control our desires.