Hadith #10357

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,

اِقْمَعُوا هذِهِ النُّفُوسَ، فَإنَّها طُلَعَةٌ إنْ تُطِيعُوها تَزِغْ بِكُمْ إلى شَرِّ غايَة۔

This Hadith carries a beautiful message about the importance of self-restraint and the potential consequences of following one's desires.

The word (iqma'u) "اِقْمَعُوا" in the Hadith means to restrain or control. It implies the need to exercise self-discipline and self-control over our desires and inclinations. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to restrain their souls, to not let their desires overpower them. This is a reminder that we should not be slaves to our own whims and desires, but rather, we should strive to be in control of ourselves.

The word (nufus) "نُّفُوسَ" refers to our souls or inner selves. It encompasses our desires, inclinations, and emotions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the nature of these souls, describing them as (tula'ah) "طُلَعَةٌ". This term can be understood as something that is very desirous or eager. Our souls are naturally inclined towards seeking pleasure and gratification, and if left unchecked, they can lead us astray.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Yusuf (12:53),

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

This verse emphasizes the inherent inclination of the soul towards evil and its constant struggle to deviate from the right path.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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?

This verse highlights the danger of blindly following our desires without seeking guidance from Allah. It reminds us that our desires can lead us astray if we do not exercise self-restraint and seek divine guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that if we choose to follow our desires, they will lead us towards the worst evil. Our desires, if left unchecked, can cloud our judgment, distort our perception of right and wrong, and ultimately lead us towards destructive actions and consequences. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their desires and to exercise self-control in order to avoid falling into the trap of evil.

For example, if a person is driven by their desire for wealth and material possessions, they may resort to unethical means such as fraud or exploitation to achieve their goals. This not only harms others but also tarnishes their own character and spiritual well-being. By restraining their souls and aligning their desires with the teachings of Islam, they can avoid such destructive paths and instead strive for righteousness and moral integrity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to exercise self-restraint and control over their desires. It highlights the potential consequences of following our desires without seeking guidance from Allah. By restraining our souls and aligning our desires with the teachings of Islam, we can protect ourselves from falling into the trap of evil and strive towards righteousness and spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to restrain our souls and follow the path of righteousness.