Hadith #5480

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

كَمْ مِنْ شَهْوَة مَنَعَتْ رُتْبَةً۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as,

How many a lustful desire has prevented [one from attaining] a lofty status!

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental impact of indulging in worldly desires and how they can hinder our spiritual progress and prevent us from reaching higher levels of righteousness and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (shahwah) "شَهْوَة" refers to intense desires or passions that arise within a person. These desires can manifest in various forms, such as the desire for wealth, power, fame, or physical pleasures. They can be overwhelming and lead individuals astray from the path of righteousness.

The word (mana'at) "مَنَعَتْ" means to prevent or hinder. It signifies how these lustful desires act as barriers, obstructing individuals from attaining a (rutbah) "رُتْبَةً", which refers to a lofty status or rank in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of succumbing to our desires and the consequences it can have on our spiritual growth. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 32, Allah says,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse highlights the importance of controlling our sexual desires and refraining from engaging in any form of immoral behavior. By doing so, we protect ourselves from falling into sin and compromising our spiritual progress.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13, Allah states,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, not in worldly desires or material possessions. It reminds us that our worth in the eyes of Allah is determined by our level of devotion and obedience to Him, rather than our worldly accomplishments.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the desires that can distract us from our ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Lustful desires, if left unchecked, can consume our thoughts and actions, leading us away from the path of righteousness. They can hinder our spiritual progress and prevent us from reaching higher levels of faith and piety.

For example, the desire for wealth and material possessions can lead individuals to engage in unethical practices, such as fraud or exploitation, in order to fulfill their cravings. This not only harms others but also tarnishes their own souls and distances them from the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Similarly, the pursuit of physical pleasures without moderation can lead to addiction and moral degradation, causing individuals to lose sight of their purpose in life and neglect their spiritual growth.

On the other hand, those who are able to control their desires and channel their energies towards seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are the ones who attain a lofty status in His sight. They prioritize their spiritual development over worldly temptations and strive to purify their hearts and souls. Their actions are guided by the principles of righteousness and they constantly seek to please Allah in all aspects of their lives.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their desires and to prioritize their spiritual growth over worldly pursuits. By recognizing the detrimental impact of lustful desires on our journey towards attaining a lofty status in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can strive to control our passions and redirect our energies towards seeking His pleasure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our desires and attain a high rank in His sight.