Hadith #11378

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

مَغْلُوبُ الهَوى دائِمُ الشَّقاءِ مُؤَبَّدُ الرِّقِّ۔

This powerful statement highlights the consequences of being overpowered by vain desires. Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The term (maghloob) "مَغْلُوبُ" refers to someone who is overpowered or defeated. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies being overwhelmed by vain desires or base instincts. These desires, when left unchecked, can lead one astray from the path of righteousness and cause immense suffering.

The word (hawa) "هَوى" refers to vain desires or whims. It encompasses the inclinations of the ego that are not in line with the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These desires often arise from worldly temptations and can cloud one's judgment, leading to harmful actions and spiritual downfall.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that the one who is overpowered by these vain desires is (da'im al-shaqaa) "دائِمُ الشَّقاءِ", meaning they are constantly in a state of wretchedness. This state of misery is a consequence of being disconnected from the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and succumbing to the whims of the ego.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the one overpowered by vain desires as (mu'abbadu al-riqq) "مُؤَبَّدُ الرِّقِّ", which translates to forever enslaved. This signifies that indulging in base desires leads to a perpetual state of bondage, where one becomes enslaved to their own whims and desires, unable to break free from their negative influence.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Yusuf (12:53),

And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy.

This verse highlights the inherent inclination of the soul towards evil desires, which can only be overcome through the mercy and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

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 emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and not allowing our own desires to lead us astray.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that being overpowered by vain desires leads to a life of misery and spiritual enslavement. It is crucial for Muslims to recognize the importance of self-control and align their desires with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the dangers of being overpowered by vain desires. By resisting these temptations and seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can liberate ourselves from the shackles of our own desires and attain true happiness and contentment in this life and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome our vain desires and guide us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.