Carnal Desires and Wayward Bellies

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “I have fears about you from the waywardness of your bellies and sex and carnal desires.” [Ahmed]

What Muhammad (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) most feared for his Ummah was not poverty, war, or famine, but our caving in to every bodily desire. Giving in to every impulse and catering to every whim results in man oppressing man, caring about nothing but his immediate satisfaction.

Billboards, advertisements, movies, T.V., all incite to incessant fulfillment of our carnal desires. But even though we spend a major portion of our time catering to our lusts, they will never be satisfactorily fulfilled in this life.

The buffets of five star hotels have ruined us. Our wayward bellies are so enticed by this display we try to mimic it in our homes and go all out to satisfy more and more expensive cravings. We have forgotten that Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) put us on earth to guide and lead humankind to Jannah. We attempt instead to make our Jannahs here.

Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has prepared the most lavish displays of food and drink for us, but we are in no hurry to reach them. Instead we are wasting our time in the third class offerings of this world.

Indeed, Shaitaan attacks us through our bellies and private parts. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) says in the Quran: “The Shaitaan threatens you with poverty and enjoins on you lewdness, whereas Allah promises you His forgiveness and bounty; and Allah is infinite in His care, and knows all things.” [Surah al-Baqarah: Ayat 268]