Hadith #7099

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a profound piece of advice that emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's intellect over their vain desires. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The first word in the Hadith is (kun) "كُنْ", which means "be" or "become." It serves as a command, urging the believers to adopt a particular behavior or attitude. In this case, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is instructing us to embody a certain mindset.

The next word is (li'aqlika) "لِعَقْلِكَ", which refers to one's intellect or reason. It is the faculty that allows us to think, analyze, and make rational decisions. Our intellect is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and it is meant to guide us towards what is right and beneficial.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be (mus'ifan) "مُسْعِفاً" towards our intellect. This term can be understood as being quick or prompt in responding to our intellect. It implies that we should prioritize and give immediate attention to the guidance provided by our intellect.

On the other hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be (musawwifan) "مُسَوِّفاً" towards our vain desires. This term can be understood as being slow or delayed in responding to our vain desires. It implies that we should exercise caution and restraint when it comes to fulfilling our base desires and whims.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using our intellect and reason to make sound decisions.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 50:16)

And We have certainly created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.

This verse highlights the fact that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of the innermost thoughts and desires of every individual. It is our responsibility to use our intellect to discern between right and wrong, and to prioritize what is beneficial for our spiritual growth.

In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against following our vain desires, saying, (Quran 7:33)

Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of restraining ourselves from indulging in immoral actions and following our base desires without any justification.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is a reminder for us to prioritize our intellect over our vain desires. By doing so, we are able to make rational decisions that align with the teachings of Islam and lead us towards spiritual growth. When we respond promptly to our intellect, we are more likely to make choices that are beneficial for our worldly and hereafter.

Conversely, when we delay in responding to our vain desires, we exercise self-control and discipline. This allows us to avoid falling into sinful behavior and making decisions based on temporary gratification. By restraining ourselves from fulfilling our base desires, we strengthen our character and develop a sense of self-control that is essential for leading a righteous life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their intellect over their vain desires. By being prompt in responding to our intellect and delaying in responding to our base desires, we can make rational decisions that align with the teachings of Islam. This Hadith encourages us to exercise self-control and discipline, leading to spiritual growth and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to follow the guidance of our intellect and restrain ourselves from following our vain desires.