Hadith #10599

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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) emphasizes the importance of recognizing and preserving the honor and value of one's soul. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, advises that those who possess this understanding should strive to purify their souls from the lowliness and distractions of this worldly life.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (sharaf) "شَرَفَ" refers to honor, dignity, and nobility. It signifies the elevated status and worth of the soul, which is a divine creation. The word (nafsihi) "نَفْسِهِ" means one's own self or soul. It highlights the individual responsibility to recognize and appreciate the inherent value of one's own soul.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to purify their souls from the lowliness and distractions of this world, symbolized by the word (dana'at) "دَنَائَةِ". This word refers to the base, mean, and degrading aspects of worldly pursuits that divert one's attention from the higher purpose of life. It encompasses materialism, greed, selfishness, and other vices that tarnish the purity of the soul.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and the temporary satisfaction they provide. It reminds us that the true honor and value lie in the purification of the soul and the pursuit of a higher purpose. The pursuit of material possessions and worldly desires can distract us from the ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the balance between seeking the rewards of the Hereafter while also fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. It encourages Muslims to use the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to do good and avoid corruption. By doing so, we can maintain the honor and value of our souls while actively participating in the affairs of this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the purification of their souls over the pursuit of worldly desires. It encourages self-reflection and introspection, urging individuals to assess their actions and intentions. By recognizing the honor and value of our souls, we can strive to align our lives with the teachings of Islam and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the importance of recognizing and preserving the honor and value of their souls. It calls upon individuals to purify their souls from the lowliness and distractions of this world. By doing so, we can strive to attain closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in purifying our souls and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.