Hadith #11311

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

ما رَفَعَ امْرَءً كَهِمَّتِهِ، ولاوَضَعَهُ كَشَهْوَتِهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the profound impact of a person's actions and desires on their spiritual elevation or degradation.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (raises) "رَفَعَ" refers to the elevation of a person's status, both in this world and the Hereafter. It signifies the increase in one's honor, dignity, and spiritual rank. On the other hand, the word (lowers) "وَضَعَ" refers to the degradation and decline of a person's status, leading to a decrease in their honor, dignity, and spiritual rank.

The word (his [earnest] endeavor) "كَهِمَّتِهِ" refers to a person's sincere and diligent efforts in pursuing noble goals and striving for excellence. It encompasses their determination, perseverance, and dedication towards achieving success in various aspects of life, such as knowledge, work, and worship.

On the contrary, the word (his lustful desire) "كَشَهْوَتِهِ" refers to a person's base desires and inclinations that lead them towards indulgence in worldly pleasures and sinful acts. It encompasses the temptations of the self and the pursuit of immediate gratification, often at the expense of one's moral values and spiritual growth.

To comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Isra (17:64):

And incite [to senselessness] whoever you can among them with your voice and assault them with your horses and foot soldiers and become a partner in their wealth and their children and promise them.

This verse highlights the detrimental influence of one's desires and temptations, which can lead to deviation from the path of righteousness.

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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of balancing our worldly pursuits with the ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter. It reminds us to prioritize our spiritual growth and not be consumed by our worldly desires.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize that our actions and desires have a profound impact on our spiritual journey. When we strive earnestly and diligently in the pursuit of knowledge, righteousness, and good deeds, we elevate ourselves in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our efforts to improve ourselves and benefit others not only enhance our own character but also inspire and uplift those around us.

Conversely, when we succumb to our base desires and indulge in sinful acts, we lower ourselves spiritually. Our lustful desires can cloud our judgment, weaken our resolve, and distance us from the path of righteousness. This downward spiral not only harms our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also affects our interactions with others, leading to negative consequences in both this world and the Hereafter.

Therefore, as Muslims, we must constantly strive to elevate ourselves by nurturing our sincere endeavors and suppressing our lustful desires. We should seek knowledge, engage in acts of worship, and strive to improve our character. By doing so, we can attain spiritual growth, strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and inspire positive change within ourselves and our communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to prioritize our spiritual growth over worldly desires. May He bless us with the ability to strive earnestly and diligently in the pursuit of righteousness. And may He elevate our status in this world and the Hereafter.