Hadith #10420

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of restraining oneself from the allure of base desires. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith and explore its profound implications in light of the Quran.

The word (rad'u) "رَدْعُ" refers to the act of deterring or restraining oneself. It implies exercising self-control and discipline in order to resist the temptations of the lower self. This self-restraint is not a passive act, but rather an active effort to overcome one's desires and inclinations.

The term (tasweel) "تَسْوِيلِ" refers to the temptation or inclination towards vain desires. It encompasses all forms of temptations that lead one away from the path of righteousness. These temptations can manifest in various ways, such as greed, lust, envy, or arrogance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of deterring oneself from succumbing to these temptations.

The Hadith states that deterring the soul from the temptation of vain desire is the (thamaratu al-nubl) "ثَمَرَةُ النُّبْلِ", which translates to the fruit of nobility. This phrase signifies that the ability to resist base desires and exercise self-restraint is a characteristic of true nobility. It is a quality that elevates an individual's moral and spiritual stature.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and the consequences of giving in to one's desires.

In Surah Al-A'raf (7:201), Allah says,

Indeed, those who fear Allah - when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.

This verse highlights the importance of God-consciousness and remembrance of Allah as a means to overcome the temptations of Satan. By deterring the soul from vain desires, one gains insight and clarity.

In Surah Yusuf (12:53), we find the story of Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who exemplified the fruit of nobility by resisting the advances of his master's wife. Despite being tempted, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) chose to restrain himself and remain steadfast in his faith. This act of self-restraint ultimately led to his elevation and honor.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah states,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.

This verse reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly desires and our ultimate goal of attaining the Hereafter. It emphasizes the importance of deterring oneself from excessive attachment to material possessions and transient pleasures.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the significance of self-restraint and the consequences of giving in to vain desires. By exercising self-control and deterring ourselves from the temptations of the lower self, we can attain true nobility and elevate our spiritual status. It is through this noble act that we can align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble progeny.

Let us reflect upon this Hadith and strive to cultivate the virtue of self-restraint in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our base desires and attain the fruit of nobility.