Hadith #7175

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The intelligent person is one who overpowers his contending vain desires.

This Hadith highlights the importance of self-control and the ability to resist and overcome our base desires. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (intelligent) "عاقل" refers to a person who possesses wisdom, understanding, and the ability to make sound judgments. It is someone who has the capacity to control their desires and make decisions based on reason and intellect. This intelligence is not limited to intellectual prowess but also encompasses emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

The phrase (contending vain desires) "نَوازِعَ أهْوِيَتِهِ" refers to the inner inclinations and temptations that arise from our base desires. These desires can manifest in various forms, such as greed, lust, envy, and anger. They are the impulses that often lead us astray and hinder our spiritual growth.

To understand the significance of overpowering these vain desires, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 acknowledges the inherent inclination towards evil within the human soul. It emphasizes the need for self-control and the constant struggle against our base desires.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages us to prioritize the pursuit of the Hereafter over worldly desires. It reminds us to control our desires and not be consumed by materialistic pursuits.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that true intelligence lies in the ability to overpower these contending vain desires. It is not enough to possess knowledge and intellect; one must also have the strength to resist the temptations that lead us away from the path of righteousness.

By exercising self-control, we can avoid falling into sinful behaviors and make choices that align with the teachings of Islam. For example, when faced with the temptation to engage in dishonesty, an intelligent person would resist the urge and choose honesty instead. Similarly, when confronted with the desire for material possessions, an intelligent person would prioritize contentment and generosity over greed.

Overpowering our vain desires has profound consequences for our spiritual growth and development. It allows us to purify our hearts and attain a higher level of consciousness. By resisting the temptations of this world, we become more focused on our ultimate goal, which is the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the exemplary character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His knowledge, wisdom, and self-control were unparalleled. He demonstrated this through his unwavering commitment to justice, his humility, and his ability to resist the allure of power and material wealth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in overpowering our contending vain desires. It emphasizes the importance of self-control and the ability to make choices based on reason and intellect. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that support this Hadith, we are reminded of the constant struggle against our base desires and the need to prioritize the pursuit of the Hereafter over worldly temptations. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to overcome our vain desires and attain true intelligence.