Hadith #11407

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الهوى مطية الفتنة" which translates to

Vain desire is a riding mount of temptation.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the dangerous nature of following one's base desires and how it can lead to falling into temptation and sin.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. (al-hawa) "الهوى" refers to vain desires or whims, which are the inclinations of the self towards worldly pleasures and gratifications. It represents the desires that are not in line with the guidance of Allah and can lead one astray. (mutiyyah) "مطية" means a riding mount or a means of transportation. Here, it symbolizes how following one's vain desires can become a means for temptation to take control over an individual.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the concept of vain desires and the consequences of following them. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of following our desires:

(Quran 90:4-18)

And We have certainly created man to be in hardship. Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? He says, 'I have spent wealth in abundance.' Does he think that no one has seen him? Have We not made for him two eyes? And a tongue and two lips? And have shown him the two ways? But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave. Or feeding on a day of severe hunger. An orphan of near relationship. Or a needy person in misery. And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. Those are the companions of the right.

This passage highlights the struggles faced by human beings and the choices they have to make. It emphasizes the importance of self-control and selflessness, rather than indulging in vain desires. By freeing a slave, feeding the hungry, and helping those in need, one can break through the difficult pass and become among the righteous.

Another verse that supports the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith is found in Surah Al-Jathiyah:

(Quran 45:18-19)

Then We put you, [O Muhammad], on an ordained way concerning the matter [of religion]; so follow it and do not follow the inclinations of those who do not know. Indeed, they will never avail you against Allah at all. And indeed, the wrongdoers are allies of one another; but Allah is the protector of the righteous.

This verse emphasizes the importance of following the guidance of Allah and not being swayed by the ignorant opinions and desires of others. It reminds us that following our own vain desires or the desires of those who do not possess knowledge will not benefit us in any way. Only by adhering to the ordained way of Allah can we find true protection and righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of their own vain desires and to strive for self-control and self-discipline. Following our base desires can lead us down a dangerous path, tempting us to engage in sinful actions that distance us from the path of righteousness.

By reflecting on the consequences of following vain desires, we can better understand the importance of aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam. It is essential to constantly seek knowledge, engage in self-reflection, and strive for self-improvement in order to overcome the temptations that arise from our own desires.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be vigilant in controlling their vain desires and to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By doing so, we can protect ourselves from falling into temptation and ensure that our actions are in line with the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our vain desires and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.