Hadith #8015

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When the eye sees what is [lustfully] desired, the heart becomes blind to the consequence.

This wise utterance highlights the spiritual and moral consequences of indulging in forbidden desires and the importance of guarding our gaze.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (absarat) "أبْصَرَتِ" refers to the act of seeing, while (al-'ayn) "العَيْنُ" specifically refers to the eye. (ash-shahwah) "الشَّهْوَةَ" denotes desire or lust, and ('amiya) "عَمِيَ" means blindness. Finally, (al-qalb) "القَلْبُ" refers to the heart, and (al-'aqibah) "العاقِبَةِ" signifies the consequence or outcome.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah An-Nur (24:30),

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling our gaze and restraining our desires, as it leads to purity and righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) cautions,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse highlights the gravity of indulging in forbidden desires and the negative consequences it brings upon oneself and society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that when our eyes gaze upon what is lustfully desired, our hearts become blind to the consequences. This blindness refers to the loss of spiritual insight, moral judgment, and the ability to foresee the negative outcomes of our actions.

For instance, when a person indulges in illicit relationships or consumes forbidden material, their heart becomes desensitized to the spiritual and emotional harm caused by such actions. They become oblivious to the damage it inflicts on their own soul, their relationships, and their society. This blindness leads to a downward spiral, where one's desires take precedence over their conscience and moral values.

The consequences of such blindness can be far-reaching. It can lead to the erosion of one's faith, the breakdown of families, the spread of immorality, and the overall degradation of society. It is essential for Muslims to be vigilant and guard their gaze, as it is the first step towards preserving their spiritual well-being and upholding the values of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their gaze and the desires that arise within them. It warns us about the spiritual and moral consequences of indulging in forbidden desires, which can lead to a loss of insight and moral judgment. By controlling our gaze and restraining our desires, we can protect our hearts from becoming blind to the consequences and strive towards righteousness and purity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome our desires and guide us on the path of righteousness.