Hadith #11387

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الهوى إلهٌ مَعْبُودٌ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Vain desire is a worshipped deity.

Let us delve into the meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran. The word (al-hawa) "الهوى" refers to vain desires, whims, and inclinations that divert a person from the path of righteousness. It encompasses the base desires of the self, which often lead to sinful actions and disobedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (ilah) "إلهٌ" means deity or god, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter. It highlights how these vain desires can become an object of worship, taking precedence over the worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Jathiya (45:23),

Have you seen he who takes his own desire as his god?

This verse clearly illustrates the danger of allowing our vain desires to become the center of our lives, to the extent that we prioritize them over the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Such an individual has essentially replaced the worship of Allah with the worship of their own desires.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of following our vain desires, stating,

But if they do not respond to you - then know that they only follow their own desires.

This verse highlights how those who follow their vain desires are driven solely by their own inclinations, disregarding the guidance and commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They become slaves to their desires, making them the ultimate authority in their lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the influence of their vain desires. When we allow our desires to dictate our actions, we risk straying from the straight path and falling into sin. It is crucial to recognize that our desires, if left unchecked, can become a form of idolatry, diverting our attention and devotion away from the worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By acknowledging the dangers of vain desires, we can strive to overcome them and align our actions with the teachings of the Quran. This requires self-discipline, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of the Quranic principles that guide us towards righteousness. We must constantly evaluate our intentions and motivations, ensuring that they are in line with the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than being driven solely by our own desires.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying,

Vain desire is a worshipped deity,

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be vigilant in guarding against the influence of their vain desires. By recognizing the dangers of allowing our desires to become the center of our lives, we can strive to align our actions with the teachings of the Quran and worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our vain desires and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.