Hadith #10584

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,

لاتَحْلُمْ عَنْ نَفْسِكَ إذا هِيَ أغْوَتْكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not be lenient with your [carnal] soul when it entices you.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (do not be lenient) "لاتَحْلُمْ" comes from the root word "حلم" which means to be gentle, lenient, or soft. In this context, it refers to being lenient with one's own self, particularly the carnal desires and temptations that may lead one astray from the path of righteousness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be vigilant and not to give in to the whims and desires of our lower selves when they entice us towards sinful actions.

The phrase (with your [carnal] soul) "عَنْ نَفْسِكَ" emphasizes the importance of self-control and self-discipline. It reminds us that we have a responsibility to govern our own selves and not let our desires dictate our actions. Our carnal soul, which is inclined towards worldly pleasures, can often lead us astray if we are not cautious.

The word (when it entices you) "أغْوَتْكَ" is derived from the root word "غوى" which means to deceive or mislead. It highlights the deceptive nature of our desires and urges. Our lower selves often allure us towards temporary pleasures, making them appear attractive and enticing. However, these desires can lead us away from the path of righteousness and towards spiritual destruction if we succumb to them without restraint.

To further understand the significance of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, 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 the need for divine mercy to overcome it. It serves as a reminder that we must not be lenient with our lower selves, as they are prone to leading us astray.

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

This verse highlights the consequences of blindly following our desires without seeking guidance from Allah. It reminds us that our desires alone should not be the driving force behind our actions, as they can lead us astray from the straight path.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to exercise self-control and discipline. It urges us to be aware of the deceptive nature of our desires and to resist their temptations. By being vigilant and not being lenient with our lower selves, we can protect ourselves from falling into sinful actions and strive towards spiritual growth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this quality of self-control and discipline. His profound knowledge and understanding of the Quran enabled him to resist the temptations of his lower self and remain steadfast in his devotion to Allah. His unwavering commitment to righteousness serves as an inspiration for all Muslims to follow in his footsteps.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to be lenient with our lower selves when they entice us towards sinful actions. It reminds us of the importance of self-control and self-discipline in resisting the deceptive nature of our desires. By seeking guidance from the Quran and emulating the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive towards spiritual growth and protect ourselves from the pitfalls of our carnal souls. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our desires and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.