Hadith #10610

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,

ضابِطُ نَفْسِهِ عَنْ دَواعِي اللَّذّاتِ مالِكٌ وَمُهْمِلُها هالِكٌ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-control and self-discipline in resisting the temptations of worldly pleasures. It states that the one who keeps their soul steadfast against these temptations is a master over their desires, while the one who neglects this self-control is ultimately destroyed.

To understand the essence behind this Hadith, let us delve into the words used. The word (dabit) "ضابِطُ" refers to someone who exercises control and restraint over their desires. It implies a person who has mastered their own self and has the ability to resist the allure of worldly pleasures. On the other hand, the word (dawa'i) "دَواعِي" refers to the temptations and attractions of this world, which can lead one astray from the path of righteousness. The word (malik) "مالِكٌ" means a master or a ruler, indicating that the one who exercises self-control is in control of their desires and passions. Conversely, the word (muhmiluha) "مُهْمِلُها" refers to someone who neglects or ignores their desires, leading to their own destruction.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of self-control. In Surah Al-Imran (3:14), Allah says,

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse reminds us that although worldly pleasures may seem enticing, they are temporary and do not bring true fulfillment. It is through self-control that we can overcome these temptations and focus on the eternal rewards promised by Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between the worldly life and the pursuit of the Hereafter. It encourages us to seek the blessings of this world while maintaining self-control and avoiding corruption. By doing so, we can fulfill our duties and responsibilities without being consumed by worldly desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to exercise self-control and discipline in their lives. It highlights the importance of resisting the temptations of worldly pleasures and focusing on the path of righteousness. By keeping our desires in check, we can prevent ourselves from being enslaved by our own passions and ultimately destroying our spiritual well-being.

Practicing self-control allows us to make conscious choices that align with the teachings of Islam. It enables us to prioritize our faith and values over temporary indulgences. For example, when faced with the temptation to engage in dishonesty or unethical behavior for personal gain, a person with self-control will resist these temptations and uphold their integrity. This self-discipline also extends to controlling our desires in matters of wealth, power, and relationships. By mastering our desires, we can avoid falling into the traps of greed, arrogance, and immorality.

The consequences of neglecting self-control are dire. When we allow our desires to control us, we become slaves to our own passions. This can lead to a downward spiral of moral degradation and spiritual destruction. We may find ourselves indulging in sinful acts, neglecting our religious obligations, and distancing ourselves from Allah's mercy. The neglect of self-control can also have detrimental effects on our relationships, as we prioritize our desires over the well-being of others.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-discipline in our journey towards spiritual growth. It serves as a call to action for Muslims to constantly assess their actions and intentions, striving to master their desires and align them with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can attain true mastery over ourselves and protect our souls from destruction.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to exercise self-control and resist the temptations of worldly pleasures. May He guide us on the path of righteousness and protect us from the destructive consequences of neglecting our souls. Ameen.