Hadith #1841

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best Jihad is the struggle of a man against his [carnal] soul.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the significance of self-struggle and self-discipline in the path of righteousness. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word "Jihad" in this Hadith refers to the internal struggle against one's own desires and inclinations. It is a battle fought within oneself to overcome the temptations of the ego and to align one's actions with the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This struggle is often more challenging than any external physical battle, as it requires constant vigilance and self-control.

The term "man" in the Hadith refers to every individual, regardless of gender. It emphasizes that this struggle is not limited to a specific group or time but is a universal obligation for all Muslims. Each person must engage in this internal Jihad to purify their soul and strive for spiritual growth.

The phrase

against his [carnal] soul

highlights the specific nature of this struggle. It is a battle against the lower self, the nafs, which is inclined towards worldly desires and pleasures. This internal Jihad involves resisting the temptations of the ego, such as greed, envy, anger, and lust, and striving to attain higher moral and spiritual qualities.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support and emphasize the concept of internal Jihad. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah has given us the capacity to overcome our inner struggles and that He will not burden us beyond our capabilities. It is our responsibility to exert effort and strive against our own weaknesses.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the believers as those who

strive in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives.

This verse encompasses both external and internal Jihad. While external Jihad involves physical efforts in defending the faith, internal Jihad is equally important and requires the dedication of one's wealth and life to please Allah and purify the soul.

The consequences of engaging in this internal Jihad are profound. By struggling against our own desires and inclinations, we develop self-discipline, self-control, and a heightened awareness of our actions. This leads to spiritual growth, increased taqwa (God-consciousness), and a closer relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It allows us to align our intentions and actions with the teachings of Islam, leading to a life of righteousness and moral excellence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasized the importance of self-struggle throughout his life. He himself was a paragon of self-discipline and self-control, constantly striving to overcome his own desires and submitting to the will of Allah. His example serves as an inspiration for Muslims to engage in this internal Jihad and seek self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of the internal struggle against one's own desires and inclinations. It emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, self-control, and self-improvement in the path of righteousness. By engaging in this internal Jihad, Muslims can purify their souls, strengthen their faith, and strive for spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to engage in this noble struggle and attain His pleasure.