Hadith #5495

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ لَمْ يَمْلِكْ شَهْوَتَهُ لَمْ يَمْلِكْ عَقْلَهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who does not control his lust does not control his intellect.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (shahwatah) "شَهْوَةَ" refers to desires or lusts, specifically those related to physical and sensual pleasures. It encompasses the desires of the body, such as the desire for food, drink, and sexual gratification. On the other hand, the word (aqlahu) "عَقْلَهُ" refers to one's intellect or rationality, which includes the ability to reason, make sound judgments, and exercise self-control.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Yusuf (12:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights the inherent inclination of the human soul towards evil desires and urges. It is a reminder that our desires can often overpower our intellect if left unchecked.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

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 the importance of aligning our desires with the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His teachings. It cautions against blindly following our desires without seeking divine guidance, as it leads to misguidance and deviation from the right path.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom contained within Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that one who fails to control their lusts and desires cannot truly control their intellect. This statement highlights the intimate connection between our desires and our ability to think rationally and make sound decisions.

When our desires are left unchecked, they become the driving force behind our actions, clouding our judgment and impairing our ability to make wise choices. For instance, if a person is consumed by their desire for wealth, they may resort to unethical means to acquire it, disregarding the principles of honesty and justice. Similarly, if one is unable to control their sexual desires, they may engage in immoral behavior that goes against the teachings of Islam.

On the other hand, when we exercise self-control over our desires, we allow our intellect to guide us towards what is right and beneficial. By restraining our lusts, we can make decisions based on wisdom, moral values, and the teachings of Islam. This self-control enables us to prioritize our long-term goals over immediate gratification and to make choices that align with our faith and values.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to strive for self-discipline and self-mastery. It urges us to be mindful of our desires and to exert control over them, so that our intellect can guide us towards righteousness and moral excellence. By doing so, we can attain a state of balance and harmony, where our actions are in line with the teachings of Islam and our intellect is in control.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of controlling our desires in order to maintain control over our intellect. It reminds us that unchecked lusts can lead to irrational behavior and moral corruption. By aligning our desires with the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and exercising self-control, we can ensure that our intellect remains the guiding force in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to control our desires and to seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.