Hadith #11396

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

The beginning of vain desire is temptation and its end is tribulation.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental consequences of following one's base desires and the potential harm it can bring upon an individual.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The term "vain desire" refers to the inclination towards fulfilling one's selfish desires, often driven by worldly temptations and pleasures. It is a deviation from the path of righteousness and a distraction from the ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word "temptation" signifies the initial allure and enticement that draws a person towards fulfilling their desires, leading them away from the path of righteousness.

The Hadith further states that the end result of following vain desires is "tribulation." This refers to the difficulties, hardships, and trials that one may face as a consequence of indulging in their base desires. These tribulations can manifest in various forms, such as spiritual emptiness, moral degradation, loss of blessings, and even severe consequences in this world and the hereafter.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly desires and the illusion they create. The pursuit of material possessions, wealth, and worldly pleasures may provide temporary satisfaction, but they ultimately lead to disappointment and spiritual emptiness. The consequences of indulging in vain desires are severe, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns of "severe punishment" in the Hereafter for those who prioritize worldly pursuits over their spiritual well-being.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. Following our base desires and whims can lead us astray, but if we seek guidance from Allah and strive to align our desires with His commands, we will be on the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in their pursuit of desires. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual well-being over worldly temptations and to seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the tribulations that arise from following vain desires and strive towards a life of righteousness and contentment.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the dangers of vain desires and the strength to resist them. May He guide us on the straight path and protect us from the tribulations that result from following our base desires. Ameen.