Hadith #5464

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

سَبَبُ الشَّرِّ غَلَبَةُ الشَّهْوَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

Being overpowered by lust is the cause of evil.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ghalabah) "غَلَبَةُ" refers to being overpowered or dominated by something. It signifies a state of being overwhelmed or controlled by a particular force. In this context, it refers to the overpowering of one's desires and passions. The word (shahwah) "شَّهْوَةِ" refers to lust or desire, specifically the intense and uncontrollable desires of the lower self.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of succumbing to our desires in several verses. In Surah Yusuf, Allah says, (Quran 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. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful

This verse highlights the inherent inclination of the human soul towards evil, which can be further fueled by uncontrolled desires.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of following our desires without restraint. He says, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind

This verse emphasizes that indulging in our desires without moderation leads to a life of misery and ultimately blinds us from the truth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, highlights the destructive nature of being overpowered by lust. When we allow our desires to control us, we become vulnerable to committing evil acts. Lust can cloud our judgment, leading us astray from the path of righteousness and causing harm to ourselves and others.

For instance, when a person is consumed by the desire for wealth, they may resort to dishonest means such as theft or corruption to fulfill their greed. This not only harms their own soul but also disrupts the social fabric of society. Similarly, when one is overpowered by the desire for power, they may engage in oppression and tyranny, causing immense suffering to those under their authority.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to exercise self-control and discipline over their desires. By resisting the overpowering force of lust, we can prevent ourselves from falling into the trap of evil. This requires introspection, self-awareness, and a constant struggle against our lower selves.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that being overpowered by lust is the root cause of evil. It is a reminder for Muslims to exercise self-control and discipline over their desires. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of succumbing to our passions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome our desires and guide us on the path of righteousness.