Hadith #5498

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

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

مَغْلُوبُ الشَّهْوَةِ أذَلُّ مِن مَمْلُوكِ الرِّقِ۔

This powerful statement highlights the profound consequences of being overwhelmed by one's desires. Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

Firstly, the word (maghloob) "مَغْلُوبُ" means "overcome" or "subdued." It refers to a state of being overwhelmed or dominated by something. In this context, it signifies being overpowered by one's desires or passions. The word (shahwah) "شَّهْوَةِ" refers to lust or carnal desires, which can include various forms of temptation and indulgence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares the one who is overcome by lust to (mamluk al-riq) "مَمْلُوكِ الرِّقِ", which translates to

one who is enslaved.

This comparison emphasizes the degradation and humiliation that comes with being controlled by one's desires. It highlights the loss of control and the resulting servitude to one's passions.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of succumbing to our desires in several verses. In Surah Yusuf (12:53), Allah says,

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 reminds us that our souls have a tendency to incite us towards evil, and it is only through the mercy of Allah that we can resist these temptations.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), Allah warns,

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 and not allowing our desires to lead us astray. It reminds us that following our own whims and desires without the guidance of Allah can only result in misguidance and loss.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound consequences of being overwhelmed by our desires. When we allow our passions to control us, we become slaves to our own whims, losing our sense of dignity and self-control. This can lead to a multitude of negative consequences, both in this world and in the hereafter.

In contrast, those who strive to overcome their desires and maintain control over their actions are elevated in the eyes of Allah. They demonstrate discipline, self-restraint, and a commitment to following the guidance of Allah. They are not enslaved by their passions but rather strive to align their desires with the teachings of Islam.

As Muslims, it is crucial for us to reflect on this Hadith and its implications in our daily lives. We must strive to resist the temptations that come our way and seek the guidance of Allah in all our actions. By doing so, we can avoid the degradation and humiliation that comes with being enslaved by our desires. Instead, we can attain a higher level of spiritual and moral elevation, pleasing Allah and earning His mercy and blessings.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our desires and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness. May He guide us to make choices that are pleasing to Him and protect us from the pitfalls of succumbing to our passions. Ameen.