Hadith #7114

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

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

One whose intellect is complete scorns lustful desires.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the importance of having a sound and complete intellect, which enables a person to rise above their base desires and temptations.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (intellect) "عَقْلُهُ" refers to the faculty of reasoning, understanding, and discernment that distinguishes humans from other creatures. It is the ability to think critically and make rational decisions. The word (scorns) "اِسْتَهانَ" means to belittle, disregard, or look down upon something. And finally, (lustful desires) "الشَّهَواتِ" refers to the various temptations and passions that can lead a person astray from the path of righteousness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using our intellect to discern between right and wrong, and to resist the allure of our desires. In Surah Yusuf, Allah says, (Quran 12:53)

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 struggle within the human soul, as it is inclined towards fulfilling its desires. However, those who possess a complete intellect are able to overcome these temptations and choose the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah says, (Quran 28:67)

But as for one who had repented, believed, and done righteousness, it is promised by Allah that he will be among the successful

This verse emphasizes the importance of repentance, belief, and righteous actions in attaining success. It is through the complete intellect that one recognizes the need for repentance, believes in the teachings of Islam, and strives to do righteous deeds, thus distancing oneself from lustful desires.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate and nurture their intellect in order to overcome their base desires. When our intellect is complete and well-developed, we are able to recognize the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and prioritize the pursuit of spiritual growth and moral excellence. This enables us to make informed decisions based on the teachings of Islam, rather than being swayed by our desires.

For example, a person with a complete intellect may be faced with the temptation to engage in unlawful relationships or indulge in excessive materialistic pursuits. However, their intellectual capacity allows them to reflect upon the consequences of such actions, both in this world and the Hereafter. They understand that these temporary pleasures can lead to long-term harm and spiritual degradation. As a result, they are able to scorn and disregard these lustful desires, choosing instead to focus on fulfilling their obligations to Allah and seeking His pleasure.

The consequences of heeding Imam Ali's advice are profound. By scolding lustful desires, one is able to attain a higher level of self-control, discipline, and spiritual purity. This leads to a greater sense of contentment, peace, and tranquility in one's life. Moreover, it strengthens one's relationship with Allah and enables them to fulfill their purpose as a servant of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to develop and nurture their intellect in order to rise above their base desires. By using our intellect to discern between right and wrong, we can overcome the temptations of this world and prioritize our spiritual growth. This leads to a life of contentment, peace, and closeness to Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate a complete intellect and scorn lustful desires.