Hadith #1865

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,

مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ جاهَدَها۔

This impactful saying can be translated as,

One who knows his self struggles against it.

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

The word (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" in this Hadith refers to one's own self or soul. It encompasses the inner desires, inclinations, and tendencies that reside within each individual. It is a complex entity that can either lead a person towards righteousness or towards sin. Understanding the true nature of one's self is crucial in order to embark on the journey of self-improvement and spiritual growth.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Qiyamah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 75:2)

And I swear by the self-reproaching soul.

This verse highlights the importance of recognizing the flaws and weaknesses within oneself. It is through this self-awareness that one can strive to overcome their shortcomings and purify their soul.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the concept of striving (jihad) in the path of Allah. It implies that those who make an effort to improve themselves and fight against their inner desires will be guided by Allah towards righteousness.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The statement

One who knows his self struggles against it

highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-discipline. It encourages individuals to introspect and recognize their own weaknesses, temptations, and vices. By doing so, they can actively engage in a constant struggle against their own selves in order to attain spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

This struggle against the self requires sincere effort, determination, and perseverance. It involves resisting the temptations of the ego, controlling one's desires, and striving to align one's actions with the teachings of Islam. It is a battle against the lower self that seeks immediate gratification and worldly pleasures, and instead, seeks to prioritize the pleasure of Allah.

By engaging in this struggle, Muslims can develop self-control, discipline, and a heightened sense of taqwa (God-consciousness). They become more conscious of their intentions, actions, and the consequences of their choices. This self-awareness enables them to make better decisions, avoid sinful behavior, and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

The consequences of neglecting this struggle against the self are grave. If one remains unaware of their own flaws and weaknesses, they may fall into the traps of their own desires and become slaves to their own egos. This can lead to a life of sin, heedlessness, and distance from Allah. However, by recognizing and actively engaging in this struggle, Muslims can attain spiritual elevation, inner peace, and a closer relationship with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to engage in a constant struggle against their own selves. By recognizing their weaknesses, desires, and inclinations, they can actively work towards self-improvement and spiritual growth. This struggle requires sincere effort, self-discipline, and a conscious alignment of one's actions with the teachings of Islam. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to know ourselves and strive against our own selves for His sake.