Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim

1. Opening

Friends, whom Allah has blessed, have we ever reflected on why humanity’s position in the universe is so dynamic? We were not created with a static or 'stagnant' status like other creatures. Our nobility is not automatic; it is a potential that must be fought for every second through a constant battle between two forces within us: ‘Aql and Shahwah.[intellect][desire]By nature, Allah SWT designed humans as the most perfect of beings in structure, both physically and psychologically. Yet this perfection comes with a great test: self-control. When intellect, guided by faith, can fully govern desire, humans soar beyond the rank of pure creatures who have no desire—namely, the angels.Let us reflect on the following words of Allah SWT:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمْ خَيْرُ الْبَرِيَّةِ

“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds—they are the best of creatures.” (QS. Al-Bayyinah: 7)

Conversely, when the steering wheel of life is handed entirely to lust and desire, intellect becomes paralyzed. At that point, humans undergo a deeply tragic moral degradation. They are demoted, becoming even lower and more astray than grazing livestock. Why? Because animals act on instinct without being given intellect to choose, whereas humans have intellect yet choose to become slaves to their own desires.

Regarding this, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave a profoundly valuable reminder:

الْمُجَاهِدُ مَنْ جَاهَدَ نَفْسَهُ فِي طَاعَةِ اللَّهِ

“A mujahid is one who strives against his own self [his desires] in obedience to Allah.” (HR. Ahmad & At-Tirmidhī)

2. Lessons and Message

The greatest moral message from this decree is that our nobility is not determined by appearance, wealth, or lineage, but by the quality of self-control. To be human means to be a being that constantly chooses. Every time we reject an invitation to sin in order to obey Allah’s command, that is when we are “teaching” the angels the meaning of sincere loyalty.

There is a true story about a young man who grew up in an environment glittering with vice. One night, he stood at the peak of an opportunity to commit a major sin with no human watching. His desire raged fiercely. But amid that onslaught of lust, suddenly his chest felt tight, his heart trembled as he remembered a verse about Allah’s watchfulness.He collapsed to the floor, weeping uncontrollably until his place of prostration was soaked, begging for forgiveness because he had nearly traded Allah’s pleasure for fleeting enjoyment. He wept not because he feared human punishment, but because he was ashamed before the One who keeps giving him breath. That grief over sin is what lifted his rank back to a noble place .On the other hand, how heartbreaking it is to see humans endowed with extraordinary intelligence, yet use their intellect only to deceive, oppress, and satisfy their lust for power. They are arrogant and reject the truth. Their lives end tragically—dying empty of inner peace, branded as sharrul bariyyah [the worst of creatures].

Imagine yourself as a rider atop a very strong, wild horse.Intellect and Faith are the wise rider.Desire is that wild horse.If the rider holds the reins firmly and directs it correctly, that wild horse becomes a mighty vehicle to carry us to a noble destination. But if the reins are released, or if the rider falls asleep, the wild horse will bolt aimlessly, dragging the rider, and finally hurling him into a deep abyss. Desire does not need to be killed; it must be controlled by intellect.

There’s a funny story about a man who complained to a scholar. “Ustadz, whenever I see delicious food or a luxury-item discount, my faith starts to waver—the desire to buy it is so strong. Have I turned into an animal?”The scholar smiled warmly and replied, “Not yet, don’t worry. If you were an animal, you wouldn’t think twice and would just snatch your friend’s food without feeling guilty. You’re still confused and feel remorse, right? That means your intellect is still alive—it’s just playing hide-and-seek with your desire. Call your intellect back quickly before the horse gallops to the mall!”

3. Conclusion and Closing

My blessed brothers and sisters, in conclusion, our status of nobility as humans is never permanent; it moves dynamically like a graph that rises and falls. We are fluid beings who can become nobler than angels when intellect leads desire, yet we can sink lower than an animal—even becoming the worst of creatures—when arrogance takes over and desire topples the function of intellect. The choice is in our hands every day, every hour, and every second.

Let us close this brief gathering of knowledge with a prayer, asking Allah to always strengthen our intellect and faith to guide our desires toward His pleasure

والله أعلم بالصواب

الحمد لله رب العالمين

Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmaullahi Wabarakatuh.

ِAbu Sultan Al-Qadrie