Hadith #11353

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ مَلَكَهُ هَواهُ ضَلَّ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is controlled by his vain desire goes astray.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the teachings of the Quran.

The word (malakah) "مَلَكَهُ" in this Hadith refers to being controlled or dominated by something. It implies being under the influence or power of one's desires. The word (hawah) "هَوَاهُ" refers to vain desires or whims. It signifies the inclinations and passions that arise from one's lower self, which are often driven by immediate gratification and personal interests.

This Hadith highlights the danger of allowing oneself to be controlled by vain desires. It warns that such a person will go astray, deviating from the right path and losing their way. This deviation can manifest in various aspects of life, including religious, moral, and ethical matters.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of self-control and the dangers of following one's vain desires. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50),

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 that those who follow their own desires without seeking guidance from Allah are indeed misguided. They have chosen to prioritize their own whims over the guidance and teachings of Allah. Consequently, they find themselves astray and disconnected from the truth.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of being controlled by vain desires is found in Surah Al-Jathiya (45:23). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 portrays the severe consequences of prioritizing one's desires over the guidance of Allah. Such a person is led astray, and their knowledge becomes a means of their own destruction. Their hearts and senses become veiled, preventing them from perceiving the truth. The verse concludes by asking who can guide such an individual after Allah has abandoned them due to their attachment to their desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in controlling their desires. It urges us to strive for self-discipline and to align our actions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of following our vain desires and ensure that we remain on the path of righteousness.

When we allow our desires to dominate our actions, we risk compromising our moral values and engaging in sinful behavior. For example, if one is controlled by their desire for wealth, they may resort to dishonest means of acquiring it, disregarding the principles of honesty and integrity prescribed by Islam. Similarly, if one is driven by their desire for power, they may oppress others and neglect justice.

Conversely, when we exercise self-control and prioritize the guidance of Allah, we are able to make decisions that are in line with our faith and values. This leads to a life of righteousness, contentment, and spiritual growth. By resisting our vain desires and seeking guidance from Allah, we can navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and integrity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the dangers of being controlled by their vain desires. It emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam. By seeking guidance from Allah and resisting the temptations of our lower selves, we can avoid going astray and lead a life of righteousness and spiritual fulfillment. May Allah grant us the strength to overcome our desires and remain steadfast on the path of truth.