Hadith #10876

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises the Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in avoiding two dangerous pitfalls: falling into doubts (shubuhat) and being inclined towards lustful desires (shahawat). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that these two temptations can lead one astray, causing them to engage in forbidden actions and commit numerous sins.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this hadith. "Shubuhat" refers to doubts or uncertainties that arise in matters of faith or religious principles. These doubts can be internal or external, and they have the potential to weaken a person's faith and lead them away from the right path. "Shahawat" refers to lustful desires or passions that are driven by the lower self. These desires can manifest in various forms, such as greed, gluttony, sexual misconduct, and excessive worldly pursuits. Indulging in these desires can lead to moral corruption and distance one from the teachings of Islam.

To understand the significance of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns believers about the dangers of doubts and desires. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, Allah says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and doubts, as they can lead to sinful actions such as backbiting and slander.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 50, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

But if they do not respond to you - then know that they only follow their [own] desires. And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allah? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

This verse highlights the consequences of following one's desires without seeking guidance from Allah. It leads to misguidance and deviation from the right path.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to be cautious of these two pitfalls because of the severe consequences they can have on one's faith and actions. Falling into doubts can lead to disbelief and deviation from the true teachings of Islam. Doubts can arise from various sources, such as misinterpretation of religious texts, misleading ideologies, or the influence of others who may try to cast doubt on one's faith. By being aware of these doubts and seeking knowledge and guidance from reliable sources, Muslims can protect themselves from falling into disbelief.

Likewise, being inclined towards lustful desires can lead to a multitude of sins. When one becomes consumed by their desires, they may engage in actions that are forbidden in Islam, such as adultery, theft, dishonesty, and excessive materialism. These actions not only harm the individual but also have negative consequences for society as a whole.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their intentions and actions. It encourages self-reflection and self-discipline to avoid the slippery slope of doubts and desires. By staying steadfast in faith and seeking knowledge, Muslims can protect themselves from falling into the forbidden and committing sins.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to be cautious of falling into doubts and being inclined towards lustful desires. It highlights the importance of seeking knowledge, self-discipline, and self-reflection to protect oneself from the pitfalls that can lead to moral corruption and deviation from the true teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to heed this advice and stay on the straight path.