Hadith #10531

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, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ أطاعَ نَفْسَهُ في شَهَواتِها فَقَدْ أَعَانَهَا عَلَى هُلْكِهَا۔

This powerful statement emphasizes the consequences of obeying one's soul in its lustful desires. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (obey) "أطاعَ" in this Hadith refers to following or submitting to the desires and inclinations of one's soul. It implies giving in to the temptations and cravings that arise within us. The word (his soul) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to the inner self or the ego, which is susceptible to various desires and passions. And the word (its lustful desires) "شَهَواتِها" refers to the base desires and cravings that arise from within the soul.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against following our desires blindly in Surah Yusuf (12:53), where He says,

And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy.

Here, Allah acknowledges that the soul has a tendency to command towards evil, unless it is guided by His mercy and guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:2), Allah says,

No! I swear by the Day of Resurrection. And no! I swear by the reproaching soul.

This verse highlights the inner struggle within the soul, which often inclines towards sinful desires and needs to be reproached and disciplined.

When we analyze the consequences of obeying the soul in its lustful desires, we find that it leads to destruction and ruin. Allah warns us in Surah Al-Isra (17:16),

And when We intend to destroy a city, We command its affluent but they defiantly disobey therein; so the word comes into effect upon it, and We destroy it with [complete] destruction.

This verse serves as a reminder that when people indulge in their desires without restraint, it can lead to the destruction of individuals and communities.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to exercise self-control and discipline over their desires. By resisting the temptations of the soul, we protect ourselves from its destructive consequences. This Hadith encourages us to strive for self-restraint and to seek guidance from the teachings of Islam.

For example, when faced with the temptation to engage in dishonesty, a person who obeys their soul's lustful desires may resort to lying or cheating for personal gain. However, by resisting these desires and adhering to the principles of honesty and integrity prescribed by Islam, one can avoid the destruction that comes with deceit.

Similarly, when confronted with the temptation of indulging in unlawful relationships, a person who obeys their soul's lustful desires may engage in immoral behavior that can lead to broken families and societal decay. However, by adhering to the teachings of Islam and maintaining the sanctity of marriage, one can protect themselves and society from the destructive consequences of such actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a reminder that true success lies in mastering our desires and aligning them with the teachings of Islam. By resisting the temptations of the soul and striving for self-discipline, we can protect ourselves from the destructive consequences that arise from following our base desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of resisting the lustful desires of the soul. By obeying these desires, one only aids in their own destruction. The Quranic verses provided support this message by highlighting the inner struggle within the soul and warning against the consequences of following base desires. Muslims are encouraged to exercise self-control, seek guidance from the teachings of Islam, and strive for self-discipline in order to protect themselves from the destructive consequences of obeying their soul's lustful desires. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the destructive consequences of our desires.