Hadith #7067

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) highlights the critical role of intellect and its potential loss. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (dahab) "ذَهَابُ" means "departure" or "loss." It signifies the diminishing or disappearance of something. In this context, it refers to the loss of intellect. The word (aql) "عَقْلِ" refers to intellect or rationality, which is a fundamental aspect of human nature bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Hadith further identifies the causes of this loss of intellect as (hawa) "الهَوَى" and (shahwa) "الشَّهْوَةِ". "الهَوَى" refers to vain desires or whims, while "الشَّهْوَةِ" refers to lust or sensual desires. These two elements, when unchecked and given precedence over reason and morality, can lead to the loss of intellect.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of intellect and warns against being driven solely by desires and lusts.

In Surah Yusuf (12:53), Allah says,

And I do not acquit myself. 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 inclination of the soul towards evil, which can overpower the intellect if not guided by divine mercy and wisdom.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), Allah warns,

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? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

This verse emphasizes the danger of blindly following desires without seeking guidance from Allah, which can lead one astray from the path of intellect and righteousness.

The consequences of succumbing to vain desires and lusts are also highlighted in the Quran. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:179), Allah describes those who follow their desires as having hearts that are sealed and eyes that are blind. Such individuals lose their ability to discern right from wrong and become trapped in a cycle of self-destruction.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that the departure of intellect occurs when vain desires and lusts take precedence over reason and morality. When individuals allow their whims and sensual desires to guide their actions, they risk losing the ability to think critically, make sound decisions, and distinguish between right and wrong.

The consequences of this loss of intellect are far-reaching. It can lead to a life driven by instant gratification, devoid of moral principles and spiritual growth. It can result in harmful actions, strained relationships, and a lack of fulfillment in both worldly and spiritual matters.

Therefore, as Muslims, it is crucial for us to strive for the preservation and cultivation of our intellect. We must constantly seek knowledge, reflect on our actions, and align our desires with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can safeguard ourselves from the departure of intellect and ensure that our thoughts, decisions, and actions are guided by reason, morality, and the divine wisdom of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to overcome our vain desires and lusts, and may He bless us with intellect that is firmly grounded in His guidance. Ameen.