Hadith #10593

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لايَسْلَمُ عَلَى اللّهِ مَنْ لايَمْلِكُ نَفْسَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who cannot control his [carnal] soul is not safe from [the wrath and punishment of] Allah.

Let us delve into the important words and concepts present in this Hadith. The word (yaslamu) "يَسْلَمُ" means to be safe, secure, or protected. It implies being free from harm, punishment, or the wrath of Allah. (layamliku) "لايَمْلِكُ" means to not possess or have control over something. And (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to one's own soul or self.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse emphasizes the individual responsibility and accountability of every soul. We are each responsible for our own actions and have the capacity to control our own selves.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 84, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say, 'My Lord, let me enter a sound entrance and let me exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in order to navigate through the challenges of life and to have control over our own selves.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that true submission to Allah requires self-control and mastery over our desires and impulses. It is not enough to merely claim belief or perform outward acts of worship. We must strive to align our inner selves with the teachings of Islam and the guidance of the Quran.

When we fail to control our carnal desires and allow them to overpower us, we become vulnerable to the consequences of our actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Yusuf, verse 53,

And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy.

This verse reminds us of the inherent inclination towards evil that resides within our souls. It is only through the mercy and guidance of Allah that we can overcome these inclinations and attain true self-control.

The consequences of failing to control our souls are severe. In Surah Al-Qiyamah, verses 2-3, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes, We are able [even] to proportion his fingertips.

These verses highlight the Day of Judgment, where every soul will be held accountable for its actions. Those who did not exercise self-control and allowed their desires to lead them astray will face the consequences of their choices.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly strive for self-improvement and self-control. It calls us to reflect upon our actions and intentions, and to seek the guidance of Allah in order to overcome our weaknesses. By mastering our own selves and aligning our desires with the teachings of Islam, we can attain the true peace and safety that comes from submitting to the will of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true submission to Allah requires self-control and mastery over our own souls. It reminds us of the importance of aligning our desires with the teachings of Islam and seeking Allah's guidance in order to navigate through the challenges of life. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to control our souls and attain His mercy and protection.