Hadith #1568

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

لَحْظُ الإنسانِ رائِدُ قَلْبِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

A person's glance is the scout of his heart.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (lahz) "لَحْظُ" refers to a momentary glance or a quick look. It signifies the act of observing or perceiving something briefly. The word (ra'id) "رائِدُ" means a scout or a pioneer, someone who goes ahead to explore and assess the situation. Lastly, (qalbihi) "قَلْبِهِ" refers to the heart, which is not only the physical organ but also the center of emotions, intentions, and spiritual awareness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:36),

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse highlights the accountability of our senses, including our sight, which will be questioned on the Day of Judgment.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of guarding our glances and avoiding negative assumptions about others.

From these Quranic verses, we can understand that our glances hold great significance and are not to be taken lightly. They have the potential to shape our thoughts, intentions, and ultimately, our actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in his profound wisdom, reminds us that our glances act as scouts for our hearts. Just as a scout explores and assesses the situation before making decisions, our glances provide insights into the state of our hearts.

When we observe something with our eyes, it leaves an impression on our hearts. If our glances are filled with sincerity, humility, and righteousness, they will lead our hearts towards goodness and righteousness. Conversely, if our glances are filled with envy, lust, or ill intentions, they will corrupt our hearts and lead us astray.

For example, if we constantly gaze at material possessions with envy and desire, our hearts may become consumed by greed and discontentment. On the other hand, if we look upon the beauty of nature with awe and gratitude, our hearts may be filled with appreciation for Allah's creation and a sense of humility.

Moreover, our glances also have an impact on our relationships with others. If we look at others with respect, empathy, and compassion, our hearts will be inclined towards kindness and understanding. Conversely, if we judge and criticize others based on their appearance or actions, our hearts will be filled with arrogance and prejudice.

Therefore, it is crucial for us as Muslims to be mindful of our glances and to purify them. We must strive to align our sight with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can ensure that our hearts remain pure and guided by the light of faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the profound connection between our glances and our hearts. Our glances act as scouts, exploring and assessing the state of our hearts. It is essential for us to be mindful of what we observe and to purify our sight, aligning it with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can ensure that our hearts remain pure and guided on the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to guard our glances and purify our hearts.