Hadith #1310

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

المؤمن أمين على نفسه، مغالب (مجاهد) لهواه وحسه.

This Hadith emphasizes the qualities of a true believer. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this statement and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (believer) "مؤمن" refers to a person who has complete faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and adheres to the teachings of Islam. This person is trustworthy and reliable, not only in their dealings with others but also in their own self-discipline. They are (faithful) "أمين" to themselves, meaning they are honest and sincere in their actions, thoughts, and intentions.

Furthermore, the Hadith mentions that a believer is (struggling) "مغالب" against their (vain desires) "هواه" and (feelings) "حسه". This highlights the internal battle that every believer faces in their journey towards spiritual growth and righteousness. It emphasizes the need to constantly strive against the temptations and inclinations of the ego, ensuring that they do not lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support and complement the teachings of this Hadith. For instance, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56),

Indeed, you [O Muhammad] do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah alone, and it is our responsibility as believers to struggle against our own desires and submit to His will.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith is found in Surah Yusuf (12:53), where Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) says,

And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the constant struggle against the self, acknowledging that the soul often inclines towards evil. It is only through the mercy and guidance of Allah that one can overcome these inclinations.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant in their self-discipline and to constantly strive against their own desires and feelings. It teaches us that true faith requires an ongoing struggle to align our actions and intentions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we strengthen our relationship with Allah and purify our hearts from the distractions and temptations of this world.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of self-awareness and introspection. It encourages us to reflect on our own thoughts, feelings, and actions, and to hold ourselves accountable for our choices. By being faithful to ourselves and striving against our vain desires, we cultivate a sense of self-control and discipline that allows us to navigate through life's challenges with integrity and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the qualities that define a true believer. It emphasizes the need for self-discipline, self-awareness, and constant struggle against our own desires and inclinations. By aligning our actions and intentions with the teachings of Islam, we strengthen our faith and draw closer to Allah. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to be faithful to ourselves and to overcome our vain desires.