Hadith #10527

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ كَرُمَتْ عَلَيْهِ نَفْسُهُ هانَتْ عَلَيْهِ شَهْوَتُهُ۔

This amazing Hadith highlights the importance of self-honoring and self-control. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (karumat) "كَرُمَتْ" refers to honoring or dignifying oneself. It implies recognizing the inherent value and worth of one's own soul. It is a call to elevate oneself and strive for moral excellence. When a person truly honors their own soul, they prioritize their spiritual growth and well-being over their worldly desires.

On the other hand, the word (hanat) "هانَتْ" means to become insignificant or unimportant. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies that when one truly values their own soul, their lustful desires lose their power and influence over them. These desires become insignificant in comparison to the higher purpose and nobility of the soul.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility lies not in one's lineage, wealth, or worldly achievements, but in righteousness and piety. When a person honors their own soul by prioritizing righteousness and piety, they become truly noble in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us in Surah Al-Isra (17:32),

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse highlights the importance of controlling our desires and avoiding immoral acts. When a person honors their own soul, they develop the strength to resist the temptations of their lustful desires, recognizing the harm and immorality associated with indulging in them.

The consequences of honoring one's soul and considering it to be honorable are profound. When a person values their own soul and strives for moral excellence, they become more conscious of their actions and their impact on themselves and others. They become more self-aware and develop a strong sense of self-discipline. This self-discipline enables them to resist the temptations of their desires and make choices that align with their higher purpose.

By prioritizing the honor of their own soul, Muslims can cultivate a strong moral compass and become beacons of light in society. They become role models for others, inspiring them to also honor their own souls and strive for moral excellence. This ripple effect can lead to a more righteous and virtuous society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of honoring our own souls and considering them to be honorable. By doing so, we diminish the power of our lustful desires and prioritize our spiritual growth and well-being. This concept aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of righteousness, self-control, and the pursuit of moral excellence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to honor our souls and overcome our desires.