Hadith #7064

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Preservation of the intellect is through opposing vain desire and turning away from this world.

This enlightening saying emphasizes the importance of safeguarding our intellect and wisdom by resisting the temptations of our base desires and detaching ourselves from the materialistic allurements of this world.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The term (preservation) "حِفْظُ" implies the act of safeguarding and protecting something valuable. In this context, it refers to the preservation of our intellect, which is a divine gift bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our intellect enables us to distinguish between right and wrong, make informed decisions, and seek knowledge and guidance from the Quran and Sunnah.

The word (intellect) "عَقْلِ" refers to our rational faculty, encompassing our ability to reason, comprehend, and exercise sound judgment. It is through the preservation of our intellect that we can navigate the complexities of life and fulfill our purpose as Muslims.

To preserve our intellect, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to (oppose vain desire) "مُخالَفَةِ الهَوى". Vain desires, or "الهَوى," refer to the base desires and whims that can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. These desires may include greed, lust, envy, and arrogance, among others. By opposing these desires, we exercise self-control and discipline, allowing our intellect to guide us towards what is beneficial and pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that support this concept of opposing vain desires. In Surah Al-Qasas, 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 constant battle between our desires and our intellect. By opposing our base desires, we align ourselves with the divine wisdom and guidance that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) provides.

The second part of the Hadith advises us to (turn away from this world) "العُزُوفِ عَنِ الدُّنيا". This phrase encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits and distractions of this worldly life. It does not imply complete renunciation of the world, but rather a mindset of prioritizing the eternal over the temporary.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 57:20)

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly pursuits and the importance of focusing on the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.

By turning away from the allurements of this world, we free ourselves from the distractions that hinder our intellectual growth and spiritual development. We become more focused on seeking knowledge, performing good deeds, and striving for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of preserving our intellect by opposing vain desires and turning away from the materialistic pursuits of this world. By exercising self-control, discipline, and detachment, we can align ourselves with the divine wisdom and guidance provided by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This preservation of intellect enables us to make informed decisions, seek knowledge, and fulfill our purpose as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to uphold these teachings in our lives.