Hadith #4602

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كَيفَ يَصِلُ إلى حَقيقَةِ الزُّهدِ مَنْ لَمْ يُمِتْ شَهْوَتَهُ؟!

This Hadith can be translated into English as,

How can one who has not killed off his lustful desires reach the essence of asceticism?!

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of self-control and the eradication of one's base desires in attaining true asceticism. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used.

The word (zuhd) "زُّهدِ" refers to asceticism or detachment from worldly desires and possessions. It is a state of contentment and detachment from materialistic pursuits, focusing instead on the spiritual realm and the pursuit of closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The essence of zuhd lies in recognizing the temporary nature of this world and prioritizing the eternal life hereafter.

The word (shahwatahu) "شَهْوَتَهُ" refers to lustful desires or passions. It encompasses all forms of desires that are driven by the base instincts of the human self, such as greed, gluttony, sexual desires, and excessive worldly attachments. These desires, if left unchecked, can lead one astray from the path of righteousness and hinder their spiritual growth.

To further understand the significance of Imam Ali's statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-control and the suppression of desires in various verses.

One such verse is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:14), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse highlights the allure of worldly desires and possessions, and the need to recognize their temporary nature.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah An-Nisa (4:29), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

O you who have believed, do not consume one another's wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and avoiding unlawful means to fulfill one's desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own desires and the role they play in their spiritual journey. By killing off our lustful desires, we are able to detach ourselves from the distractions of this world and focus on the pursuit of true asceticism.

When one is able to control their desires and prioritize their spiritual growth, they become more attuned to the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the fulfillment of their obligations as Muslims. They are able to resist the temptations of this world and make choices that are in line with the teachings of Islam.

Moreover, the eradication of lustful desires leads to a sense of contentment and inner peace. By freeing ourselves from the constant pursuit of worldly pleasures, we are able to find true happiness and satisfaction in our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the importance of self-control and the eradication of lustful desires in attaining true asceticism. By prioritizing our spiritual growth and detaching ourselves from the distractions of this world, we can achieve a state of contentment and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to overcome our base desires and strive towards true asceticism.