Hadith #5439

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Lust is one of the two causes of deviation.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the destructive nature of lust and its role in leading individuals astray from the path of righteousness. To fully comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (شَهْوَةُ) "shahwa" refers to intense desires or passions, particularly those related to physical pleasure and gratification. It encompasses various forms of lust, such as sexual desires, gluttony, and materialistic cravings. Shahwa can be seen as a powerful force that can easily overpower one's rationality and lead them towards sinful actions.

The term (المُغْوِيَيْنِ) "mughawiyayn" is derived from the root word (غَوَىٰ) "ghayy", which means to deviate or go astray. In this context, it refers to the causes or factors that lead individuals away from the straight path of righteousness and into sinful behavior. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) identifies lust as one of these two causes of deviation, emphasizing its detrimental impact on one's spiritual journey.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of succumbing to our desires and the consequences it can have on our faith and morality. In Surah Yusuf (12:53), the story of Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful example. When tempted by the wife of his master, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sought refuge in Allah and firmly resisted the advances, saying,

Indeed, he [your husband] is my master who has made good my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed.

This demonstrates the importance of self-control and the ability to resist the temptations of lust.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises both men and women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. This verse highlights the need for individuals to control their desires and avoid indulging in lustful thoughts or actions. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the pitfalls of deviation and maintain our moral integrity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant in controlling their desires and not allowing them to lead them astray. Lust, if left unchecked, can cloud one's judgment, weaken their faith, and ultimately distance them from the path of righteousness. It is crucial for individuals to recognize the potential harm that lust can cause and actively strive to overcome its influence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the destructive nature of lust and its role as one of the two causes of deviation. By reflecting on the Quranic teachings and the examples of the Prophets, we are reminded of the importance of self-control and the need to resist the temptations of our desires. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our lustful inclinations and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.