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غَيْرُ مُنْتَفِع بِالحِكْمَةِ عَقْلٌ مَعْلُولٌ بالغَضَبِ والشَّهْوَةِ۔

The mind that is sick with anger and lust does not benefit from wisdom.

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The mind that is sick with anger and lust does not benefit from wisdom.

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Intellect)

Personal Reflection

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental effects of anger and lust on the human mind's ability to benefit from wisdom. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (mind) "عَقْلٌ" in this Hadith refers to the intellect and reasoning capacity of an individual. It is the faculty through which we understand, analyze, and make decisions. The word (sick) "مَعْلُولٌ" signifies a state of impairment or weakness. Therefore, the Hadith implies that when the mind is afflicted with anger and lust, it becomes impaired and weakened, rendering it unable to benefit from wisdom.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of controlling our anger and desires. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134),

Those who restrain their anger and are forgiving towards people - Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the virtue of controlling one's anger and the reward that awaits those who do so. When anger takes control of our minds, it clouds our judgment and impairs our ability to think rationally.

Furthermore, the Quran warns against the destructive consequences of following one's lusts and desires. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 highlights the danger of allowing our desires to dictate our actions, as it leads us astray from the path of righteousness and wisdom.

When anger and lust dominate our minds, they hinder our ability to think clearly and objectively. Anger clouds our judgment and leads to impulsive and irrational decisions. Similarly, lust blinds us to the consequences of our actions and distorts our perception of reality. In such a state, wisdom becomes inaccessible, as the mind is preoccupied with these overpowering emotions.

For example, imagine a person who is consumed by anger. In their state of rage, they may say hurtful words or engage in aggressive behavior without considering the consequences. Their mind becomes clouded, and they lose the ability to think rationally and make wise choices. Similarly, when someone is overwhelmed by lust, they may engage in immoral actions without considering the long-term effects on their well-being and spiritual growth.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for self-control and to guard against the negative influences of anger and lust. By restraining our anger and desires, we can maintain a clear and focused mind, enabling us to benefit from wisdom and make sound decisions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental effects of anger and lust on the human mind's ability to benefit from wisdom. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for self-control and to guard against these overpowering emotions. By doing so, we can maintain a clear and focused mind, enabling us to make wise choices and lead a righteous life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to control our anger and desires and bless us with wisdom and guidance.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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