Hadith #11365

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, "لادينَ مَعَ هَوىً۔" which translates to

There is no faith with vain desire.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims of all backgrounds.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (la deena) "لادينَ" means

there is no faith

or

there is no religion.

It emphasizes the importance of true faith and sincere devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (ma'a) "مَعَ" means "with" or "alongside." It signifies that faith and vain desire cannot coexist. Finally, the word (hawa) "هَوىً۔" refers to vain desires, whims, and inclinations that deviate from the path of righteousness.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns us against following our vain desires and urges us to prioritize faith and obedience. In Surah Al-Jathiyah (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 highlights the consequences of prioritizing vain desires over faith and the guidance of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Najm (53:32), Allah warns against following one's own desires, saying,

Then leave Me alone with whoever denies the Qur'an. We will progressively lead them [to punishment] from where they do not know.

This verse emphasizes the importance of submitting to the teachings of the Quran and not allowing our vain desires to lead us astray.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that true faith requires us to resist the temptations of our vain desires. It urges us to prioritize the commands of Allah and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) over our personal inclinations. When we allow our desires to dictate our actions, we risk straying from the straight path and compromising our faith.

For example, let's consider a situation where a person is faced with the choice of engaging in a dishonest business transaction for personal gain. If they prioritize their vain desire for wealth and success over their faith, they may choose to engage in unethical practices. However, if they prioritize their faith and adhere to the teachings of Islam, they would refrain from such actions, even if it means sacrificing temporary worldly gains.

The consequences of following vain desires are not limited to this world alone. In the Hereafter, those who prioritize their desires over faith will face severe consequences. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), Allah 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? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

This verse highlights the misguided nature of those who prioritize their vain desires over the guidance of Allah.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-discipline and self-control. It calls us to constantly evaluate our intentions and actions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. By resisting our vain desires and prioritizing faith, we strengthen our relationship with Allah and pave the way for spiritual growth and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "لادينَ مَعَ هَوىً۔" serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize faith over vain desires. It calls us to resist the temptations of our whims and inclinations, and instead, submit to the guidance of Allah and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By doing so, we safeguard our faith, attain spiritual growth, and strive towards righteousness in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the strength to overcome our vain desires and remain steadfast in our faith.