Hadith #5463

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

زيادَةُ الشَّهْوَةِ تُزْري بِالمُرُوءَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

Increased lust degrades magnanimity.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. "زيادَةُ الشَّهْوَةِ" refers to the increase or intensification of desires and passions. "تُزْري" means to degrade, diminish, or reduce. And "المُرُوءَةِ" refers to magnanimity, nobility, or moral integrity.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of giving in to our base desires and the negative consequences it can have on our character and morality. In Surah Yusuf, verse 53, Allah says,

And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the inherent inclination of the human soul towards evil desires. It is a reminder that our desires, if left unchecked and allowed to increase, can lead us astray and degrade our moral character. The more we indulge in our lusts, the more it diminishes our magnanimity and moral integrity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 50, Allah warns us about the consequences of following our desires. He says,

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 emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and not allowing our desires to dictate our actions. When we prioritize our desires over the guidance of Allah, we become misguided and lose sight of what is morally right. Our magnanimity and moral integrity are compromised as a result.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It highlights the importance of self-control and moderation in dealing with our desires. When we allow our desires to increase unchecked, we risk compromising our moral values and integrity. Our ability to act with magnanimity and nobility diminishes as our lusts take control.

For example, let us consider the desire for wealth. If one's desire for wealth becomes excessive and unchecked, it can lead to unethical and immoral actions such as fraud, theft, or exploitation of others. This not only degrades the individual's moral character but also harms society as a whole.

Similarly, the desire for power and authority, when taken to extreme levels, can lead to oppression, injustice, and the abuse of others. This goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize justice, compassion, and the protection of the rights of all individuals.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the dangers of unchecked desires. By recognizing the negative consequences of increased lust on our magnanimity and moral integrity, we can strive to maintain self-control and moderation in all aspects of our lives. May Allah guide us to follow the path of righteousness and protect us from the pitfalls of excessive desires.