Hadith #1843

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of self-struggle as the first form of Jihad. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (جِهَادُ) "Jihad", which is often understood as physical combat or warfare. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the initial and most fundamental form of Jihad is the struggle against our own selves. This internal struggle encompasses the battle against our desires, temptations, and weaknesses, aiming to purify our souls and attain spiritual growth.

The Quran supports this concept of self-struggle as the foundation of Jihad. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

Here, the word (يُجَاهِدُونَ) "strive" refers to the effort made by individuals to seek closeness to Allah and follow His commands. This striving includes battling against one's own ego and inner weaknesses.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ankabut, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes that those who strive in the path of Allah will be guided by Him. This guidance is not limited to physical warfare but extends to the inner struggle against one's own self.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that before engaging in any external form of Jihad, it is crucial to first conquer our own inner battles. By recognizing and rectifying our flaws, we become better equipped to serve Allah and humanity. This self-struggle involves disciplining our desires, controlling our anger, practicing patience, and striving for self-improvement.

Moreover, the consequences of neglecting this internal Jihad can be detrimental. If we do not strive against our own selves, our desires and weaknesses may overpower us, leading to moral decay and spiritual stagnation. This can hinder our ability to fulfill our duties as Muslims and may even lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

To illustrate the significance of self-struggle, let us consider an example. Imagine a person who is prone to anger and easily loses control in challenging situations. If they fail to engage in self-reflection and strive against their anger, they may harm others with their words or actions. However, by recognizing this weakness and making a conscious effort to control their anger, they can transform themselves into a more patient and compassionate individual. This transformation not only benefits the individual but also positively impacts their relationships and the wider community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-struggle as the primary form of Jihad. By engaging in this internal battle against our own selves, we purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and become better servants of Allah. This self-struggle is supported by numerous Quranic verses that highlight the significance of striving in the path of Allah. Therefore, as Muslims, we should prioritize self-reflection, self-discipline, and self-improvement as the foundation of our spiritual journey. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to engage in this internal Jihad and attain closeness to Him.