Hadith #11388

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the dire consequences of succumbing to vain desires and misguidance. The word (al-najoon) "النّاجُونَ" refers to those who will be saved, while (al-nar) "النّارِ" signifies the hellfire. The word (qaleel) "قَلِيلٌ" means few, and (ghalabat) "غَلَبَةِ" refers to the dominance or prevalence of something. Lastly, (al-hawa) "الهَوى" signifies vain desires, and (al-dalal) "الضَّلالِ" refers to misguidance.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us repeatedly about the dangers of following our vain desires and being led astray. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 50, Allah says, (28:50)

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 emphasizes that those who follow their own desires without seeking guidance from Allah are indeed misguided. They are prone to making decisions based on their whims and fancies, rather than adhering to the divine guidance provided by Allah. Such individuals are at a greater risk of falling into the clutches of the hellfire.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jathiyah, verse 23, Allah states, (45:23)

Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire, and Allah has sent him astray due to knowledge and has set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put over his vision a veil? So who will guide him after Allah? Then will you not be reminded?

This verse highlights the grave consequences of making one's desires the ultimate authority and disregarding the knowledge and guidance that Allah has bestowed upon us. When individuals prioritize their own desires over the teachings of Allah, they become blinded to the truth and are led astray. Their hearts and minds are sealed, making it even more challenging for them to find the right path.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of self-discipline and seeking guidance from Allah. It warns us against being swayed by our base desires and falling into the trap of misguidance. By reflecting on this Hadith and the Quranic verses mentioned, we are reminded of the need to constantly evaluate our actions and intentions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam.

The consequences of succumbing to vain desires and misguidance are severe. Those who prioritize their own desires over the commandments of Allah risk eternal damnation in the hellfire. This Hadith serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to strive for self-control and to seek knowledge and guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His words carry immense weight and provide valuable guidance for Muslims of all generations. By reflecting on this Hadith and the Quranic verses mentioned, we are reminded of the importance of aligning our desires with the will of Allah and seeking His guidance in all aspects of our lives. May Allah protect us from succumbing to vain desires and misguidance and grant us the strength to follow the path of righteousness.