Hadith #5447

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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,

The beginning of lust is pleasure and its end is harm.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word "shahwah" in Arabic refers to desire or lust. It encompasses both physical and emotional desires that can lead to pleasure or gratification. The word "tarab" means pleasure or delight, while "atb" means harm or destruction. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the nature of lust, how it starts with pleasure but ultimately leads to harm and destruction.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of following our desires without restraint. In Surah Yusuf (12:23), the story of Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of self-control in the face of temptation. When Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was seduced by the wife of the Aziz, he sought refuge in Allah and said,

Indeed, the prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. And if You do not avert from me their plan, I might incline toward them and [thus] be of the ignorant.

Here, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) recognized the temporary pleasure that the wife of the Aziz was offering, but he also understood the long-term harm it would cause. He chose to prioritize his faith and integrity over momentary gratification. This is a powerful example of how the beginning of lust may seem pleasurable, but its end is always harmful.

Another verse that supports this understanding is in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of following our desires without guidance. It 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? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and not allowing our desires to lead us astray. It reminds us that following our own whims and desires without considering the consequences can only result in harm and misguidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It urges us to reflect on our actions and desires, recognizing that the initial pleasure they may bring can ultimately lead to harm and destruction. It encourages us to exercise self-control and seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in order to avoid the pitfalls of following our base desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the beginning of lust may provide temporary pleasure, but its ultimate end is always harmful. This concept is supported by the Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of self-control and seeking guidance from Allah. As Muslims, we should strive to prioritize our faith and integrity over momentary gratification, recognizing that true fulfillment lies in following the path of righteousness and avoiding the destructive consequences of unchecked desires. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our base desires and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.