Hadith #10460

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,

في خِلافِ النَّفْسِ رُشْدُها۔

This can be translated into English as,

The guidance of the soul is in opposing it.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (khilaf) "خِلافِ" in this Hadith refers to opposition or going against something. It implies that the guidance of the soul lies in resisting its base desires and inclinations. It is a call to self-discipline and self-control, recognizing that true guidance is found in overcoming the temptations of the ego.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of self-control and opposing the self. In Surah Yusuf (12:53), Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises his fellow prisoners to turn away from their desires and inclinations, saying,

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

This verse highlights the constant struggle against the self and the need for divine mercy to overcome its inclinations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:2-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the human soul, saying,

Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes, We are Able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers.

These verses remind us that our physical bodies will be resurrected and held accountable for our actions. Therefore, it is crucial to discipline our souls and oppose its desires in order to attain guidance and righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-control. By opposing the self, we can overcome our base desires and inclinations, and ultimately attain spiritual growth and guidance. This opposition to the self requires constant vigilance and effort, as the soul is prone to incline towards evil.

For example, when faced with the temptation to engage in dishonesty, one must oppose their ego's desire for personal gain and choose truthfulness instead. By doing so, they align themselves with the guidance of their soul and uphold the values of honesty and integrity. Similarly, when confronted with the temptation to indulge in excessive materialism, one must resist their ego's desire for worldly possessions and prioritize spiritual growth and contentment.

The consequences of opposing the self are profound. By resisting our base desires, we strengthen our willpower and develop a sense of self-mastery. This enables us to make choices that are in line with our higher values and principles, leading to personal growth and spiritual elevation. Moreover, opposing the self allows us to cultivate virtues such as patience, humility, and selflessness, which are essential for a balanced and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the guidance of the soul lies in opposing its base desires and inclinations. By resisting the temptations of the ego, we can attain self-discipline, self-control, and spiritual growth. This concept is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of self-awareness, self-mastery, and the need to overcome the inclinations of the soul. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to oppose our egos and seek guidance in all aspects of our lives.