Hadith #11373

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) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims about the dangers of following one's base desires and straying from the righteous path. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first word that requires our attention is (nazara) "نَظَرَ", which means to look or gaze. In this context, it refers to looking at something with the eye of one's vain desire, succumbing to the temptations of the lower self. This act of looking is not merely physical but encompasses the inner desires and intentions of an individual.

The next important word is (‘ayni hawahu) "عَيْنِ هَواهُ", which translates to the eye of one's vain desire. It signifies the inclination towards fulfilling one's base desires and passions, which can lead a person astray from the right path. This eye of vain desire represents the inner struggle between the soul's desires and the guidance of the intellect.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that whoever looks with this eye of vain desire will (iftatana wajara) "افْتَتَنَ وجارَ", meaning they will fall into temptation and wrongdoing. This implies that when one allows their desires to dictate their actions, they become susceptible to being led astray and committing sinful acts. Such individuals lose their moral compass and engage in actions that are contrary to the teachings of Islam.

To further emphasize the consequences of following one's vain desires, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the person who looks with the eye of vain desire will (‘an nahjissabil zaga wahar)

عَنْ نَهْجِ السَّبيلِ زاغَ وَحارَ

meaning they will deviate and turn away from the clear open path. This deviation refers to straying from the straight path of righteousness and losing sight of the true purpose of life. It is a warning against abandoning the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ).

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for further guidance. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against following one's desires, stating, (Quran 23:71)

And if the truth had been in accordance with their desires, indeed the heavens and the earth, and whoever is in them would have been corrupted. But We have brought them their message, so they turn away from their message.

This verse highlights the destructive nature of following one's desires, as it leads to corruption and deviation from the truth. It serves as a reminder that the path of righteousness is not always aligned with our personal desires, and we must strive to align our actions with the teachings of Islam.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Jathiyah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against following one's desires, stating, (Quran 45:18)

Then We put you, [O Muhammad], on an ordained way concerning the matter [of religion]; so follow it and do not follow the inclinations of those who do not know.

This verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to the ordained way of Islam and not being swayed by the desires and opinions of those who lack knowledge. It serves as a reminder that true guidance lies in following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny, including Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who possessed immense knowledge and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to be cautious of following their vain desires and straying from the clear open path of righteousness. It highlights the consequences of succumbing to our base desires, leading to temptation, wrongdoing, and deviation from the true teachings of Islam. As believers, we must strive to align our actions with the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), seeking knowledge and wisdom from the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to navigate the challenges of life and attain spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the temptations of our vain desires and guide us on the straight path.