Hadith #1851

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

جِهادُ النَّفْسِ مَهْرُ الجَنَّةِ

which translates to

Struggling against the self is the dowry for Paradise.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of self-discipline and self-control in attaining the ultimate reward of Paradise.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The word (jihad) "جِهادُ" refers to the struggle or striving in the path of Allah. While it is commonly associated with physical warfare, it also encompasses the internal struggle against one's own desires and temptations. In this context, (struggling against the self) "جِهادُ النَّفْسِ" refers to the constant battle within oneself to resist sinful inclinations and to strive for righteousness.

The word (dowry) "مَهْرُ" signifies the price or payment given by the groom to the bride as a symbol of commitment and responsibility in marriage. In this Hadith, (the dowry for Paradise) "مَهْرُ الجَنَّةِ" represents the effort and dedication required to attain the eternal bliss of Paradise. It emphasizes that Paradise is not simply granted without any effort, but rather, it requires a sincere struggle against one's own ego and desires.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3),

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This ayah highlights the importance of righteous actions and mutual encouragement towards truth and patience.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Balad (90:10-11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And shown him the two ways? But he has not broken through the difficult pass.

These verses emphasize the challenges and obstacles that one must overcome in order to attain success. Struggling against the self requires breaking through the difficult pass of temptations and desires, and choosing the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their actions and intentions, and to strive for self-improvement. It highlights the importance of self-discipline, self-control, and the continuous struggle against one's own ego. By resisting sinful temptations and striving for righteousness, Muslims can attain the ultimate reward of Paradise.

This Hadith also emphasizes the profound knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the Quran and his ability to articulate profound truths in concise statements is a testament to his unparalleled knowledge and spiritual insight. Muslims should strive to emulate his example and seek guidance from his teachings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the importance of struggling against their own selves in order to attain the ultimate reward of Paradise. It highlights the need for self-discipline, self-control, and the continuous battle against one's own ego and desires. By striving for righteousness and resisting sinful temptations, Muslims can fulfill the dowry for Paradise and attain eternal bliss. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to engage in this internal struggle and may He reward us with Paradise.