Al-Hawā (Personal Inclinations) in the Prophetic Sunnah: A Thematic Hadith Study

Abstract

This study, entitled “Al-Hawā (Personal Inclinations) in the Prophetic Sunnah: Its Concept, Manifestations, and the Prophetic Method of Addressing It,” presents a thematic hadith-based examination of the phenomenon of following personal inclinations in the Prophetic discourse, considering it one of the most dangerous causes of creedal and behavioral deviation and its individual and social effects. The study aims to clarify the concept of hawā and its usages in the Sunnah, to distinguish between blameworthy hawā and legitimate innate inclination, and to highlight the comprehensive Prophetic methodology in addressing it, which is based on giving precedence to revelation, cultivating piety, and training the soul in self-discipline and striving.The research adopts an inductive and analytical methodology, while also benefiting from the inferential approach in deriving educational and methodological principles. The study is structured into an introduction, two main sections, and a conclusion. The first section is devoted to explaining the concept, manifestations, and effects of hawā, while the second presents the Prophetic methodology for addressing personal inclinations.The study concludes that blameworthy hawā is that which contradicts revelation or is given precedence over it, that following it constitutes a fundamental cause of many deviations, and that the Prophetic Sunnah offers an integrated treatment that combines creedal correction, behavioral refinement, and faith-based education. The study recommends activating this Prophetic methodology within contemporary religious and educational discourse.