Hadith #11403

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, "الهوى مطية الفتن" which translates to

Vain desire is the riding mount of temptations.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the dangerous nature of following one's base desires and how it can lead to the downfall of an individual.

The word (al-hawa) "الهوى" refers to vain desires or whimsical inclinations. It encompasses the desires of the ego, the pursuit of worldly pleasures, and the fulfillment of selfish desires. It is important to note that not all desires are considered vain or sinful, as Islam recognizes the natural and legitimate desires that are in line with the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah. However, when desires become excessive, unchecked, and contrary to the guidance of Allah, they can lead to detrimental consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes these vain desires as (matiyyah) "مطية", which can be translated as a riding mount or a means of transportation. This analogy emphasizes how these desires become a means through which temptations and trials can easily overpower an individual. Just as a mount carries a rider to their destination, vain desires carry individuals towards the path of sin and disobedience to Allah.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Qasas (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? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

This verse highlights the consequences of blindly following one's desires without seeking guidance from Allah. It leads to straying from the right path and ultimately losing the favor and guidance of Allah. Similarly, in Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

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 emphasizes the consequences of making one's desires the ultimate authority in life, rather than submitting to the will of Allah. It leads to a state of spiritual blindness and a loss of guidance from Allah. Such individuals become trapped in their own desires, unable to discern right from wrong.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of their desires and to ensure that they are in line with the teachings of Islam. It urges us to reflect on our intentions and motivations, and to constantly seek guidance from the Quran and the Sunnah in order to navigate the challenges and temptations of this world.

By recognizing the dangers of following vain desires, Muslims can strive to purify their hearts and align their actions with the pleasure of Allah. This requires self-discipline, self-awareness, and a constant effort to seek knowledge and understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their desires and to ensure that they do not become a means of leading them astray. It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and aligning one's actions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, Muslims can protect themselves from the temptations and trials that arise from following vain desires, and instead strive towards attaining the pleasure and guidance of Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to overcome our vain desires and remain steadfast on the straight path.