Hadith #11383

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لايُبْعِدَنَّ هَواكَ عِلْمَكَ۔" This can be translated as,

Never let your vain desire relegate your knowledge.

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

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (hawa) "هَوَى" refers to vain desires or whims, while (ilm) "عِلْم" means knowledge. It is important to note that the word (hawa) "هَوَى" is used here in a negative sense, denoting desires that are baseless, impulsive, and contrary to reason and guidance.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of knowledge in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant. Similarly, in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. The Hadith cautions us against allowing our vain desires to diminish or overshadow our knowledge. It reminds us that knowledge is a divine gift that should guide our actions and decisions, rather than being influenced by fleeting desires.

When we prioritize our vain desires over knowledge, we risk deviating from the path of righteousness and falling into error. The Quran warns against following one's desires in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), stating,

But if the truth had been in accordance with their desires, the heavens and the earth and whoever is in them would have been ruined.

This verse highlights the destructive consequences of allowing desires to dictate our actions, rather than seeking guidance from knowledge.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that true knowledge should be the guiding light in our lives. It encourages us to seek knowledge, reflect upon it, and apply it in our daily lives. By doing so, we can make informed decisions that align with the teachings of Islam and lead to spiritual growth.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on not letting vain desires relegate our knowledge highlights the importance of self-control and discipline. It urges us to resist the temptations of our lower selves and to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize knowledge over vain desires. It highlights the significance of seeking knowledge, reflecting upon it, and allowing it to guide our actions. By doing so, we can align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize knowledge and protect us from the influence of baseless desires.