Hadith #4059

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The basis of religion is opposing vain desires.

This beautiful saying emphasizes the fundamental principle upon which the entire religion of Islam is built. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (the basis of religion) "ملاِكُ الدّينِ" and (opposing vain desires) "مُخالَفَةُ الهَوى". The word "ملاِكُ" refers to the foundation or the core principle, while "الدّينِ" encompasses the entirety of the Islamic faith. "مُخالَفَةُ" means to oppose or go against, and "الهَوى" refers to vain desires or whims.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-control and resisting one's base desires. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 50, Allah says, (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?

This verse highlights the danger of blindly following one's desires without seeking guidance from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jathiyah, verse 23, Allah warns, (45:23)

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 serves as a reminder that those who prioritize their own desires over the guidance of Allah are led astray and deprived of true understanding.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the importance of opposing vain desires in order to establish a strong foundation for our faith. It reminds us that religion is not merely a set of rituals or outward practices, but rather a comprehensive way of life that requires us to constantly strive against our base desires and align ourselves with the teachings of Allah.

Opposing vain desires entails recognizing and resisting the temptations that lead us away from the path of righteousness. It involves disciplining our souls and seeking to fulfill the commands of Allah, even when they may contradict our personal inclinations. This requires self-control, patience, and a deep understanding of the teachings of Islam.

By opposing vain desires, we develop a strong connection with Allah and strengthen our faith. We become more conscious of our actions and strive to align them with the principles of Islam. This not only benefits us individually but also has wider implications for society. When Muslims collectively prioritize opposing vain desires, it leads to a just and harmonious society, free from corruption and immorality.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to establish the foundation of their religion by opposing vain desires. It emphasizes the importance of self-control, discipline, and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we strengthen our faith, develop a closer relationship with Allah, and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah guide us all in our journey of opposing vain desires and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.