Hadith #11356

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever controls his vain desire acquires intelligence [and wisdom].

This wise utterance emphasizes the importance of self-control and the acquisition of wisdom. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (malaka) "مَلَكَ" in the Hadith refers to the act of controlling or mastering something. It implies having power and authority over one's own desires and inclinations. The word (hawah) "هَواهُ" refers to vain desires or whims. These are the base desires that distract a person from the path of righteousness and lead them towards sin and disobedience.

The Quran provides numerous verses that highlight the significance of self-control and the consequences of giving in to one's vain desires. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Yusuf (12:53),

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 acknowledges the inherent inclination towards evil within the human soul. It is only through the mercy of Allah that one can overcome these inclinations and attain self-control.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 blindly following one's desires without seeking guidance from Allah. It emphasizes the importance of self-control and the need to align one's desires with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali's statement also emphasizes the correlation between self-control and intelligence. By restraining our vain desires, we gain the ability to think rationally and make wise decisions. This is supported by the Quranic verse in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And certainly, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. They are like cattle; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse highlights the importance of understanding and intelligence. It emphasizes that true understanding comes from the heart, which is guided by Allah. Those who are driven solely by their vain desires are compared to cattle, lacking the ability to comprehend the deeper truths of life.

Controlling our vain desires not only leads to intelligence but also has profound consequences in our lives. It enables us to make decisions based on wisdom and righteousness, leading to a life of piety and fulfillment. By resisting the temptations of this world, we can focus on our spiritual growth and strive towards attaining the pleasure of Allah.

Imam Ali's enlightening Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of self-control and the acquisition of wisdom. It encourages us to reflect on our own desires and urges, and to strive for mastery over them. By doing so, we can attain true intelligence and live a life that is pleasing to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of self-control and the acquisition of wisdom. It urges us to resist our vain desires and align our actions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can attain true intelligence and lead a life of righteousness and fulfillment. May Allah grant us the strength to control our desires and bless us with wisdom and understanding.