Hadith #10519

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon Muhammad and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and upon his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ شَرُفَتْ نَفْسُهُ نَزَّهَها عَنْ دَناءَةِ الْمَطالِبِ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose soul is honourable endeavours to purify it from the lowliness of worldly pursuits.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The key words in this Hadith are (honourable) "شَرُفَتْ", (purify) "نَزَّهَها", and (lowliness of worldly pursuits) "دَناءَةِ الْمَطالِبِ".

The word (honourable) "شَرُفَتْ" refers to a soul that is elevated and noble in its essence. It signifies a person who possesses moral integrity, righteousness, and a sense of dignity. This individual is not swayed by base desires or worldly temptations, but rather seeks to uphold noble values and principles.

The term (purify) "نَزَّهَها" implies the act of cleansing and purifying the soul from impurities and vices. It involves striving to rid oneself of negative traits such as greed, arrogance, and materialism. This purification process requires self-reflection, self-discipline, and a conscious effort to align one's actions with the teachings of Islam.

The phrase (lowliness of worldly pursuits) "دَناءَةِ الْمَطالِبِ" refers to the pursuit of worldly desires and material gains that are base and ignoble in nature. These pursuits are characterized by a lack of spirituality, moral values, and a disregard for the higher purpose of life. They distract individuals from seeking closeness to Allah and lead them towards a shallow and transient existence.

To understand the significance of purifying one's soul from the lowliness of worldly pursuits, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77),

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 importance of balancing worldly pursuits with the pursuit of the Hereafter. Muslims are encouraged to seek the blessings of this world, but not at the expense of their spiritual growth and moral integrity. The pursuit of worldly gains should be accompanied by acts of goodness, righteousness, and a desire to establish justice and harmony in society.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of purifying the soul is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [mention, O Muhammad], the Day We will resurrect from every nation a witness. Then it will not be permitted to the disbelievers [to apologize or make excuses], nor will they be asked to appease [Allah].

This verse reminds us of the Day of Judgment, when every soul will be held accountable for its actions. On that day, worldly pursuits and material possessions will hold no value. What truly matters is the purity of the soul and the deeds performed in accordance with Allah's guidance. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to prioritize the purification of their souls and strive for righteousness in all aspects of life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their intentions and actions. It encourages us to rise above the lowly desires of this world and strive for spiritual excellence. By purifying our souls from the vices and distractions of worldly pursuits, we can attain a higher level of consciousness and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the importance of purifying our souls from the lowliness of worldly pursuits. It calls upon Muslims to cultivate an honourable soul that is free from the vices and distractions of this world. By doing so, we can strive for spiritual growth, righteousness, and ultimately, the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all be inspired by the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to purify our souls in accordance with the guidance of the Quran.