Hadith #5441

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 progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اَلشَّهَواتُ مَصائِدُ الشَّيْطانِ۔" This can be translated as,

Lustful desires are the snares of Satan.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (shahwah) "شَهْوَة" refers to intense desires or passions that arise within a person. It encompasses a wide range of desires, including sexual desires, cravings for power, wealth, fame, and other worldly pleasures. These desires, if not controlled and channeled in the right direction, can lead a person astray and become a means for Satan to trap them.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that these lustful desires act as snares set by Satan to ensnare and divert us from the path of righteousness. Just as a hunter sets traps to catch his prey, Satan uses our uncontrolled desires as a means to trap us and distance us from the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of controlling our desires and not falling into the traps of Satan. For example, in Surah Yusuf (12:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 desires. It is a constant struggle to resist these temptations and maintain righteousness. However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us that His mercy is always available to those who seek it and strive to overcome their desires.

Another verse that sheds light on the dangers of unchecked desires is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and not allowing our desires to lead us astray. Those who follow their desires without seeking divine guidance are bound to go astray and fall into the traps set by Satan.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and cautious in dealing with their desires. It urges us to recognize the potential dangers of unchecked passions and to strive for self-control and moderation in all aspects of our lives.

By resisting our lustful desires and seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can protect ourselves from falling into the snares of Satan. This requires constant self-reflection, self-discipline, and a sincere desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our actions.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith reminds us of the importance of controlling our desires and not allowing them to become a means for Satan to trap us. Through self-discipline, seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and striving for righteousness, we can protect ourselves from the snares of Satan and attain spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our desires and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.