Hadith #4233

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

The closest of opinions to reason will be the furthest of them from vain desire.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the importance of aligning our opinions and actions with reason and intellect, rather than being driven by base desires and whims.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (aqrabu) "أقْرَبُ" means "closest" or "nearest," indicating that there are varying degrees of proximity to reason. The word (al-arā') "الآراءِ" refers to opinions or viewpoints, which are the products of our thoughts and beliefs. (mina) "مِنَ" means "from" or "out of," indicating a distinction or separation. (an-nuhā) "النُّهى" refers to reason or intellect, which guides us towards what is right and just. Lastly, (abaduhā) "أبْعَدُها" means

the furthest of them,

signifying the distance between opinions driven by vain desires and reason.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 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 emphasizes the danger of blindly following one's desires without seeking guidance from Allah. It highlights the importance of aligning our opinions and actions with reason and intellect, which are bestowed upon us by Allah. Those who prioritize their vain desires over reason are prone to deviation and straying from the path of righteousness.

Another verse that sheds light on the importance of reason and intellect is found in Surah Al-An'am, verse 116:

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying.

This verse warns us against blindly following the majority without utilizing our intellect and reason. It reminds us that the majority may be driven by assumptions and falsehoods, leading us astray from the path of Allah. Therefore, it is crucial to critically analyze and evaluate our opinions, ensuring they are grounded in reason and guided by the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize reason and intellect in their decision-making processes. It encourages us to critically assess our opinions and ensure they are not influenced by base desires and whims. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of Allah.

When we prioritize reason over vain desires, our opinions and actions become rooted in wisdom and righteousness. We make decisions based on sound judgment and logical thinking, rather than being swayed by temporary pleasures or personal biases. This leads to better outcomes, both individually and collectively, as we strive to uphold justice, fairness, and the principles of Islam.

Conversely, when we allow our opinions to be driven solely by vain desires, we distance ourselves from reason and intellect. This can lead to harmful consequences, both for ourselves and for society at large. We become susceptible to falling into sin, making irrational choices, and causing harm to others. Such actions are not in line with the teachings of Islam and can lead to a deterioration of our spiritual and moral well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize reason and intellect in their opinions and actions. By aligning ourselves with reason and distancing ourselves from vain desires, we ensure that our decisions are guided by wisdom, righteousness, and the teachings of Islam. May Allah grant us the ability to always seek knowledge, reflect upon our opinions, and make choices that are pleasing to Him.