Hadith #8085

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights two powerful enemies that every individual faces: anger and lust. He describes them as the most bitter enemies of a person because they have the potential to lead one astray and hinder their spiritual growth. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that whoever can control these two destructive forces will not only elevate their own status but also achieve their ultimate goals.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words used in this hadith. The word (ghaḍabuhu) "غَضَبُهُ" refers to anger, which is a strong feeling of displeasure and rage that can cloud one's judgment and lead to destructive behavior. The word (shahwatu) "شَهْوَتُهُ" refers to lust, which encompasses intense desires and cravings, particularly of a sexual nature. Both anger and lust have the potential to overpower an individual and lead them towards sinful actions.

To understand the significance of controlling these two enemies, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of anger in Surah Al-Imran, verse 134:

Those who spend [in Allah's cause] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of restraining anger and forgiving others, as it is a quality beloved to Allah.

Similarly, the Quran also addresses the issue of lust and the need to control one's desires. In Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 5-6, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And they who guard their private parts, except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they will not be blamed.

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining chastity and controlling one's sexual desires within the permissible boundaries set by Allah.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of this hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our greatest enemies are not external forces, but rather our own internal struggles with anger and lust. These two powerful emotions have the potential to lead us astray and hinder our spiritual growth. However, if we are able to control and master these enemies, our status will be elevated, and we will be able to achieve our goals.

Controlling anger and lust requires self-discipline, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of the teachings of Islam. When we are able to control our anger, we can avoid conflicts and maintain harmonious relationships with others. By controlling our lust, we can protect ourselves from engaging in sinful and harmful behaviors. This self-control not only benefits us individually but also contributes to the well-being of society as a whole.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, provides us with this valuable insight to help us navigate the challenges of life. By recognizing and addressing our own weaknesses, we can strive to overcome them and attain spiritual growth. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to control our anger and lust, and may He elevate our status and help us achieve our goals.