Hadith #46

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,

قُلُوبُ الرِّجَالِ وَحْشِيَّةٌ، فَمَنْ تَأَلَّفَهَا أَقْبَلَتْ عَلَيْهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the nature of human hearts, comparing them to wild beasts. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that whoever manages to tame these hearts, they will become submissive to him.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word "قُلُوبُ" refers to the hearts of people, which symbolize their emotions, desires, and inclinations. These hearts are described as "وَحْشِيَّةٌ," meaning wild or untamed. This implies that human hearts are naturally inclined towards impulsive and unruly behavior. They can be easily swayed by desires, temptations, and negative influences.

The phrase "فَمَنْ تَأَلَّفَهَا" can be translated as "whoever tames them." This suggests that it is possible to control and discipline these wild hearts. By doing so, one gains authority over their own emotions and impulses, enabling them to navigate life with wisdom and righteousness. Such a person becomes the master of their own heart, rather than being enslaved by its whims and desires.

To further understand the concept of taming the hearts, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Rad (13:28),

Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured.

This verse highlights the importance of remembering Allah and seeking His guidance as a means to tame the hearts. When we establish a strong connection with Allah and constantly remember Him, our hearts find tranquility and become less susceptible to the wildness of worldly desires.

Another verse that sheds light on the taming of hearts is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:63), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [moreover], He has put affection between their hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have produced that affection, but Allah has done it.

This verse emphasizes that it is Allah who has the power to soften and unite the hearts of people. It is through His divine intervention that hearts can be tamed and brought together in love and harmony.

Now, let us reflect on the consequences and implications of taming the hearts. When we succeed in controlling our emotions and desires, we become more mindful of our actions and decisions. We are less likely to be driven by impulsive behavior or be swayed by negative influences. Taming our hearts allows us to make choices based on wisdom, righteousness, and the guidance of Allah.

Furthermore, when we tame our hearts, we become more compassionate and empathetic towards others. We develop the ability to understand and connect with the struggles and emotions of those around us. This fosters a sense of unity and harmony within our communities, as we strive to support and uplift one another.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be vigilant in taming their hearts. It is a call to self-discipline, self-reflection, and self-improvement. By taming our hearts, we can attain inner peace, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and contribute positively to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the wild and untamed nature of human hearts. It emphasizes the importance of taming these hearts through remembrance of Allah and seeking His guidance. By doing so, we gain control over our emotions and desires, enabling us to make wise choices and foster unity within our communities. May Allah grant us the ability to tame our hearts and find tranquility in His remembrance.