Hadith #7039

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذا كَمُلَ العَقْلُ نَقَصَتِ الشَّهْوَةُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the relationship between the intellect and lust, stating that when the intellect becomes complete, lust diminishes.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this impactful saying in light of the Quran. The word (aql) "عَقْلُ" refers to the intellect or rationality, while (shahwah) "شَّهْوَةُ" refers to desires or lusts. The word (naqasati) "نَقَصَتِ" means to decrease or diminish.

The Quran provides us with guidance on the importance of controlling our desires and allowing our intellect to guide us. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the struggle between the desires of the soul and the need for divine mercy to overcome them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:50), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us,

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 reminds us that following our desires without the guidance of Allah leads to misguidance and deviation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of nurturing our intellect to control our desires. When our intellect is complete and developed, it acts as a guiding force, allowing us to make rational decisions and resist the temptations of our desires. This is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which encourages us to use our intellect to make righteous choices.

For example, when faced with the temptation of unlawful wealth or material possessions, a person with a complete intellect will prioritize the principles of justice and honesty over their desires. They will understand the consequences of their actions and the importance of adhering to the teachings of Islam.

Similarly, when it comes to controlling our desires in matters of relationships and interactions, a person with a complete intellect will prioritize respect, modesty, and the preservation of their own and others' dignity. They will understand the negative consequences of succumbing to base desires and the importance of maintaining moral boundaries.

The consequences of allowing our desires to overpower our intellect are evident in various aspects of life. We witness the destructive consequences of unchecked lust in the form of corruption, oppression, and immorality. By prioritizing the development of our intellect, we can safeguard ourselves from falling into these pitfalls.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of nurturing our intellect to control our desires. By developing our intellect, we can make rational decisions and resist the temptations of our base desires. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which encourages us to use our intellect to make righteous choices and warns us against following our desires without guidance from Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to cultivate our intellect and overcome our lusts.