Hadith #4533

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا ازْدِجارَ لِمَنْ لا إقْلاعَ لهُ۔

This can be translated as,

He who has no desistance has no restraint.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The word (izdijar) "ازْدِجارَ" in the Hadith refers to the act of refraining or holding oneself back from something. It implies a sense of self-control and discipline. On the other hand, (iqla') "إقْلاعَ" means detachment or separation. It signifies the ability to distance oneself from negative influences or harmful actions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and self-control. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:201), Allah says,

Indeed, among the successors of Moses there was a community which guided [people] by truth and by it established justice.

This verse highlights the importance of self-restraint in guiding others towards truth and justice.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah advises,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse emphasizes the need for self-restraint in matters of sexual desires, urging believers to refrain from engaging in unlawful acts.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that without the ability to desist from harmful actions or negative influences, one cannot exercise restraint. It highlights the importance of self-control in maintaining a virtuous and righteous lifestyle.

For example, let us consider the act of lying. If a person lacks the ability to desist from lying, they will not be able to exercise restraint in their speech. This can lead to a multitude of negative consequences, such as damaging relationships, spreading falsehood, and losing trust. On the other hand, if one possesses the quality of desistance, they will be able to exercise restraint and refrain from lying, thereby upholding truthfulness and maintaining integrity.

Similarly, in matters of anger, a person who lacks desistance may not be able to control their temper and may act impulsively, causing harm to themselves and others. However, if one possesses the ability to desist from anger, they can exercise restraint and respond to provocation with patience and forgiveness, promoting peace and harmony.

The consequences of lacking desistance and restraint are evident in various aspects of life. It can lead to moral corruption, loss of self-control, and a deviation from the path of righteousness. Conversely, possessing the quality of desistance enables individuals to exercise restraint, maintain self-control, and uphold moral values.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating the virtue of desistance within ourselves. It requires self-awareness, introspection, and a conscious effort to refrain from harmful actions or negative influences. By developing this quality, we can exercise restraint and maintain a balanced and righteous lifestyle.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

He who has no desistance has no restraint,

emphasizes the significance of self-control and the ability to distance oneself from harmful actions or negative influences. It reminds us of the importance of cultivating the virtue of desistance in order to exercise restraint and maintain a righteous lifestyle. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody this noble quality in our lives.