Hadith #11357

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,

مَنْ وافَقَ هَواهُ خالَفَ رُشْدَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever agrees with his vain desire opposes his rectitude [and reason].

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

The word (wafaqa) "وافَقَ" means to agree or conform, while (hawahu) "هَواهُ" refers to one's vain desires or whims. The term (khalaafa) "خالَفَ" means to oppose or contradict, and (rushdahu) "رُشْدَهُ" refers to rectitude or guidance.

This Hadith highlights the importance of restraining oneself from blindly following one's base desires and whims. It reminds us that true guidance lies in opposing and overcoming these desires, and instead aligning ourselves with reason and righteousness.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the significance of controlling our desires and following the path of guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 50:

But if they do not respond to you - then know that they only follow their [own] desires. And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allah? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

This verse highlights the consequences of blindly following one's desires without seeking guidance from Allah. It emphasizes that those who prioritize their own whims over divine guidance are indeed misguided.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Jathiya, verse 23:

Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire, and Allah has sent him astray due to knowledge and has set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put over his vision a veil? So who will guide him after Allah? Then will you not be reminded?

This verse portrays the dire consequences of making one's desires the object of worship, rather than submitting to the will of Allah. It highlights that such individuals are deprived of true knowledge and guidance, and are ultimately left astray.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that following our base desires can lead us away from the path of righteousness and reason. It is crucial for Muslims to exercise self-control and align their actions with the teachings of Islam, as guided by the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

By resisting our vain desires and seeking guidance from Allah, we can attain true rectitude and wisdom. This requires introspection, self-discipline, and a constant effort to align our actions with the teachings of Islam. It is through this struggle that we can attain spiritual growth and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome our base desires and follow the path of guidance. May He bless us with the wisdom to discern between right and wrong, and the determination to act upon it. Ameen.