إيّاكُمْ وتَحَكُّمَ الشَّهَواتِ عَلَيْكُمْ، فَإنَّ عاجِلَها ذَميمٌ، وآجِلَها وَخيمٌ۔
Beware of allowing lustful desires to dominate you, for indeed its immediate result is dispraised and future consequence is detrimental.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Lust)
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) warns us about the dangers of succumbing to our lustful desires. The word (tahakkum) "تَحَكُّمَ" in the Hadith refers to allowing these desires to dominate and control our actions. It is a reminder to Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in guarding themselves against the temptations of their desires.
To understand the significance of this warning, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-control and the dangers of giving in to our desires. In Surah Yusuf, Allah recounts the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) and how he resisted the advances of his master's wife. Despite being tempted, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained steadfast and said, (Quran 12:90)
Indeed, he who fears Allah and is patient, then indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good
This verse highlights the importance of fearing Allah and exercising patience in the face of temptation. It serves as a reminder that giving in to our desires may bring immediate gratification, but the consequences can be severe and lasting. Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah warns against following one's desires, stating, (Quran 28:50)
And whoever follows his desire, then indeed, Allah does not guide him and leaves him wandering blindly
The immediate result of indulging in lustful desires may seem pleasurable, but it is dispraised because it goes against the teachings of Islam and leads to spiritual and moral degradation. It distances us from the path of righteousness and weakens our connection with Allah. Moreover, the future consequence of such actions is detrimental, as it can lead to regret, guilt, and even severe consequences in this life and the hereafter.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the negative consequences of allowing our desires to control us. He reminds us that our actions have both immediate and long-term effects on our spiritual well-being. By resisting our lustful desires and striving for self-control, we can protect ourselves from the detrimental consequences that come with indulging in them.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in guarding themselves against the temptations of their desires. It highlights the importance of self-control and the dangers of allowing lustful desires to dominate our actions. By following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to resist our desires and protect ourselves from the immediate dispraise and long-term detrimental consequences that come with indulging in them. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our desires and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.
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