Hadith #10567

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

نَفْسُكَ أقْرَبُ أعْدائِكَ إلَيْكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Your [carnal] soul is the closest of all your enemies.

Let us delve into the meaning of this impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (nafsuka) "نَفْسُكَ" refers to one's own self or soul. It represents the inner desires, inclinations, and temptations that reside within every individual. The word (aqrabu) "أقْرَبُ" means "the closest" or "nearest." And (a'da'ika) "أعْدائِكَ" refers to enemies or adversaries.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the internal struggle that every Muslim faces. He reminds us that our own desires and temptations, represented by our carnal soul, are the closest and most immediate threats to our spiritual well-being. This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder that we must be vigilant in recognizing and combating the negative inclinations that arise from within ourselves.

The Quranic teachings echo this sentiment and provide guidance on how to overcome the challenges posed by our own selves. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Yusuf (12:53),

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 emphasizes the inherent weakness of the human soul and its inclination towards evil. It reminds us that we are in constant need of Allah's mercy and forgiveness to overcome the negative tendencies of our own selves.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

No! I swear by the Day of Resurrection. And I swear by the reproaching soul [to the certainty of resurrection].

This verse draws attention to the soul that reproaches itself, indicating the internal struggle that takes place within every individual. It serves as a reminder that we will be held accountable for our actions and that our own souls will bear witness to our deeds on the Day of Resurrection.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-control. It urges us to be aware of our own weaknesses and to constantly strive for self-improvement. By recognizing our own souls as our closest enemies, we are motivated to resist the temptations that lead us astray and to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else.

The consequences of neglecting this internal struggle can be severe. If we allow our desires and inclinations to overpower our reason and faith, we risk straying from the path of righteousness. This can lead to spiritual stagnation, moral decay, and distance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). However, if we actively engage in self-reflection, self-discipline, and seek Allah's guidance, we can overcome the challenges posed by our own selves and attain spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be aware of the internal struggle between their own desires and their commitment to faith. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, self-control, and seeking Allah's guidance to overcome the negative inclinations of our own souls. By recognizing our own selves as our closest enemies, we are motivated to strive for self-improvement, spiritual growth, and ultimately, the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our own selves and attain His mercy and forgiveness.