Hadith #11333

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The cornerstone of reason is struggling against vain desire.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (reason) "عَقْلِ" refers to the intellect and rationality bestowed upon human beings by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is the faculty that enables us to discern between right and wrong, to make sound judgments, and to understand the world around us. The word (struggling) "مُجاهَدَةُ" signifies a continuous and active effort to overcome obstacles and challenges. And finally, (vain desire) "الهَوى" refers to base desires and inclinations that may lead one astray from the path of righteousness.

To understand the significance of struggling against vain desire in the context of reason, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 50:

But if the truth had followed their inclinations, the heavens and the earth and whoever is in them would have been ruined. Rather, We have brought them their message, but they, from their message, are turning away.

This verse highlights the importance of resisting one's inclinations and desires, as following them blindly can lead to destruction and ruin.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jathiyah, verse 23, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire, and Allah has sent him astray due to knowledge and has set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put over his vision a veil? So who will guide him after Allah? Then will you not be reminded?

This verse warns against making one's desires the ultimate authority, as it leads to being misguided and veiled from the truth. It emphasizes the need to prioritize reason and knowledge over base desires.

Now, let us reflect on the essence of Imam Ali's statement. Reason is indeed the cornerstone of human intellect and serves as a guiding light in distinguishing right from wrong. However, reason alone is not sufficient if it is clouded by vain desires. Struggling against these desires is essential to ensure that our reasoning is not compromised by personal biases or selfish inclinations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his exceptional knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of actively engaging in the struggle against vain desires. This struggle requires constant self-reflection, self-discipline, and self-control. It entails resisting temptations that may lead us away from the path of righteousness and striving to align our actions with the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By struggling against vain desires, we strengthen our reason and ensure that it remains pure and untainted. We become more capable of making sound judgments, seeking knowledge, and adhering to the teachings of Islam. This struggle leads to personal growth, spiritual development, and a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of struggling against vain desires as the cornerstone of reason. It reminds us of the need to constantly evaluate our actions, motivations, and inclinations, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we strengthen our intellect, deepen our faith, and strive towards attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us in our struggle against vain desires and grant us the ability to use our reason in the pursuit of truth and righteousness.