Hadith #11395

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

أفْضَلُ النّاسِ مَنْ جاهَدَهَواهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

The best of people is one who struggles against his vain desire.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (afdal) "أفْضَلُ" in this Hadith refers to the highest and most virtuous individuals. It signifies those who have attained the pinnacle of excellence in their character and actions. The term (an-nas) "النّاسِ" refers to all people, encompassing both men and women.

The word (man) "مَنْ" means "who" or "whosoever," indicating that this statement applies to anyone who possesses the mentioned quality.

The word (jahadahawah) "جاهَدَهَواهُ" can be broken down into two parts. (jahada) "جاهَدَ" means to strive or struggle, and (hawah) "هَواهُ" refers to vain desires or whims. Therefore, the Hadith emphasizes that the best among people are those who exert effort in combating their inner desires and whims.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-control and self-discipline. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185),

And whoever of you cannot [find] the means to marry free, believing women, then [he may marry] from those whom your right hands possess of believing slave girls. And Allah is most knowing about your faith. You [believers] are of one another. So marry them with the permission of their people and give them their due compensation according to what is acceptable. [They should be] chaste, neither [of] those who commit unlawful intercourse randomly nor those who take [secret] lovers. But once they are sheltered in marriage, if they should commit adultery, then for them is half the punishment for free [unmarried] women. This [allowance] is for him among you who fears sin, but to be patient is better for you. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of self-restraint and self-control in matters of relationships and desires. It encourages believers to marry and fulfill their desires within the bounds of marriage, rather than succumbing to unlawful acts. It demonstrates that those who fear sin and strive against their desires are rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with forgiveness and mercy.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you 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 guidance is ultimately in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It implies that those who struggle against their vain desires and seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will be guided by Him. It emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah's guidance and not solely on our own desires and inclinations.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we understand that the struggle against vain desires is a continuous and ongoing process. It requires self-discipline, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of one's own weaknesses. By striving against our vain desires, we purify our hearts and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This struggle leads to personal growth, spiritual elevation, and ultimately, the attainment of the highest level of excellence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the best among people are those who strive against their vain desires. This struggle is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize self-control and self-discipline. By exerting effort to combat our inner desires, we purify our hearts and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to continuously strive against our vain desires and become among the best of people.