Hadith #10177

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) warns Muslims about two dangers: excessive infatuation with women and being tempted by the pleasures of this world. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be cautious and aware of these temptations, as they can lead us astray and bring about negative consequences in our lives.

The word (walah) "وَلَه" in the Hadith refers to excessive infatuation or obsession with women. It implies being overly preoccupied with the opposite gender, to the extent that it becomes a distraction and a source of temptation. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns Muslims against falling into this trap, as it can lead to trials and difficulties in one's personal and spiritual life.

To understand the significance of this warning, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah An-Nisa (4:29) to not let our desires lead us astray:

O you who have believed, do not consume one another's wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-control and moderation in our desires. Excessive infatuation with women can lead to unjust actions, such as adultery or exploitation, which are clearly prohibited in Islam. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to be cautious and not let their infatuation with women overpower their reason and moral values.

The second part of the Hadith warns against being tempted or deceived by the pleasures of this world. The word (ighra') "إغْرَاء" or (al-igtirar) "الاِغْتِرَار" refers to being enticed or captivated by the temporary delights and attractions of worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us against falling into this trap, as it can lead to humiliation and degradation.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures in Surah Al-Hadid (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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that the pleasures of this world are temporary and fleeting. They may bring temporary satisfaction, but ultimately they lead to disappointment and emptiness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to be cautious and not be deceived by these temporary pleasures, as they can lead to a life of degradation and spiritual emptiness.

The consequences of excessive infatuation with women and being tempted by the pleasures of this world are far-reaching. They can lead to the erosion of moral values, the breakdown of relationships, and the neglect of one's spiritual growth. Muslims should strive to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual obligations, keeping in mind the transient nature of worldly pleasures.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, provides this advice to guide Muslims towards a balanced and fulfilling life. By being aware of the dangers of excessive infatuation with women and the temptations of this world, we can protect ourselves from falling into the traps that lead to trials and degradation. Instead, we should focus on cultivating strong moral values, maintaining healthy relationships, and seeking spiritual growth in order to attain true success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to heed this advice and lead a righteous life.