Hadith #1850

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

The fruit of struggle [against the self] is overpowering the self.

This Hadith highlights the significance of self-discipline and self-control in the spiritual journey of a Muslim. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word "mujahada" in Arabic refers to the act of striving or struggling against one's own desires and inclinations. It is the internal battle that every individual faces in order to overcome their lower self and align it with the higher principles of faith. This struggle is not limited to physical combat but encompasses the spiritual and moral dimensions of a person's life.

The term "qahr" means overpowering or subduing. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies the conquest of one's own desires and ego. It implies gaining control over one's inner self, restraining it from indulging in sinful or harmful actions, and redirecting it towards obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of self-control and the struggle against one's own desires. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185),

And whoever of you is present, let him fast the month.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a form of self-discipline and self-control. It teaches us to restrain our physical desires and focus on spiritual purification.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:201), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, among you are those who hasten to evil deeds before good.

This verse highlights the inner struggle between good and evil within each individual. It reminds us of the importance of self-awareness and the need to strive against our own inclinations towards wrongdoing.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the fruit of this struggle against the self is overpowering the self. When we exert effort to control our desires, we attain a higher level of self-mastery and spiritual growth. By conquering our own ego, we become more obedient to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and more aligned with His divine will.

This struggle against the self has profound implications in our lives. It enables us to resist temptations, avoid sinful actions, and make choices that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It strengthens our willpower and helps us develop virtues such as patience, perseverance, and self-discipline. Moreover, it leads to a sense of inner peace and contentment, as we are no longer slaves to our own desires but rather servants of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the importance of this struggle as a means of self-improvement and spiritual elevation. He encourages Muslims to engage in constant self-reflection, identify their weaknesses, and strive to overcome them. By doing so, we can attain a higher level of spiritual enlightenment and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of the struggle against our own desires and inclinations. It reminds us that self-discipline and self-control are essential in our spiritual journey. By exerting effort to overpower our lower self, we can attain a higher level of self-mastery, obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and inner peace. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to engage in this struggle and reap its fruitful rewards.