Hadith #5479

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,

قاوِمِ الشَّهْوَةَ بِالقَمْعِ لَها تَظْفَرْ۔

This can be translated as,

Resist lust by subduing it and you will be victorious.

In this impactful saying , Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-control and the need to overcome our desires in order to achieve success.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words used. The word (shahwah) "شَّهْوَةَ" refers to lust or desire, specifically the intense craving for something that may be harmful or forbidden. It encompasses both physical and emotional desires that can lead to indulgence and disobedience to Allah's commands. The word (qam') "قَمْعِ" means to subdue or suppress. It implies the act of restraining or controlling one's desires.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-control and the need to resist our base desires. For example, in Surah Yusuf (12:53), we find the story of Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who resisted the advances of his master's wife. Allah says,

And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the inherent inclination of the human soul towards evil desires. It acknowledges the struggle we face in controlling our desires, but also reminds us of Allah's mercy and forgiveness. Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages us to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while reminding us not to be consumed by worldly desires. It emphasizes the importance of doing good and avoiding corruption. By restraining our desires and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we can attain success in both this world and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Resist lust by subduing it and you will be victorious,

serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of unchecked desires. When we allow our desires to control us, we become slaves to our own passions and lose sight of our ultimate purpose in life. However, by exerting self-control and suppressing our desires, we gain mastery over ourselves and achieve victory over our lower selves.

This victory has profound implications for our spiritual growth and development. When we resist our base desires, we strengthen our willpower and cultivate discipline. This discipline allows us to make choices that align with the teachings of Islam and brings us closer to Allah. It enables us to overcome temptations and avoid sinful actions that can lead to spiritual and moral decay.

Moreover, by subduing our desires, we free ourselves from the shackles of materialism and instant gratification. We learn to prioritize our spiritual well-being and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. This self-control helps us develop a sense of contentment and inner peace, as we are no longer driven by the constant pursuit of worldly pleasures.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a timeless reminder for all Muslims to resist their base desires and exercise self-control. By subduing our lusts and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam, we can attain victory over our lower selves and achieve success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our desires and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.