Is following one's whims a form of disbelief (kufr)?

"Hawa" (caprice/whim) is what a person desires and inclines towards, be it good or evil. Following one's "hawa" can manifest in permissible matters, in committing forbidden acts, in neglecting an obligation, or in worshipping other than Allah and not believing in the message of Muhammad (peace be upon him). This last instance constitutes disbelief (kufr). "Hawa" is mentioned in a reproachable context in the Quran, as in His (Allah's) saying: "Have you seen he who has taken his god as his [own] desire? Then would you be a guardian over him?" and His saying: "Those are the ones over whose hearts Allah has set a seal and who follow their [own] desires," and His saying: "So if they do not respond to you, then know that they only follow their [own] desires."