Hadith #9321

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-control and restraint in two specific areas: lustful desires and anger. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (kayyis) "كَيِّسَ" refers to a person who possesses sagacity, wisdom, and intelligence. This individual is characterized by their ability to exercise self-control and make wise decisions. The term (shahwah) "شَهْوَةِ" refers to lustful desires, encompassing a range of physical and emotional desires that can lead to harmful consequences if left unchecked. The word (nazwah) "نَزْوَةِ" refers to an outburst or an inclination towards anger. Finally, the word (hafizah) "حَفِيظَةِ" refers to a state of anger or rage.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-control and restraint in various aspects of life. For instance, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:201), Allah says,

Indeed, those who fear Allah - when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.

This verse highlights the importance of restraining oneself from succumbing to the temptations of Satan, which can lead to destructive behavior.

Furthermore, the Quran provides numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated self-control in the face of temptation. Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) is a prime example of someone who restrained his desires when he was seduced by the wife of the Egyptian minister. Despite her persistent advances, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained steadfast in his commitment to Allah and resisted her advances. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-control in overcoming lustful desires.

In the context of anger, the Quran also emphasizes the need for self-control. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the virtue of restraining anger and forgiving others, as it is an act that is beloved to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to exercise self-control in these two specific areas. By restraining our lustful desires, we can protect ourselves from engaging in sinful behavior and maintain purity in our actions. Similarly, by subduing our anger and quelling its outburst, we can avoid harming others and maintain harmonious relationships.

The consequences of failing to exercise self-control in these areas can be severe. Unrestrained lustful desires can lead to immoral actions, such as adultery or indulging in forbidden pleasures. Likewise, uncontrolled anger can result in harmful words or actions that damage relationships and create discord within society. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to cultivate self-control and strive to emulate the sagacity described in this Hadith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to exercise self-control and restraint in the face of lustful desires and anger. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from engaging in sinful behavior and maintain harmonious relationships with others. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of this Hadith and strive towards becoming individuals who possess sagacity and self-control.