Hadith #1869

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,

مُجاهَدَةُ النَّفْسِ عُنْوانُ النُّبْلِ۔

This can be translated as,

Struggling against the self is a symbol of nobility.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this enlightening Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (mujahadatu) "مُجاهَدَةُ" refers to the act of striving or struggling, particularly in the context of self-discipline and self-control. It implies a conscious effort to overcome one's base desires and inclinations. The term (nafs) "النَّفْسِ" refers to the self or the soul, which encompasses our innermost desires, inclinations, and tendencies.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of self-control and the struggle against one's own desires. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah says,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant. And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the need to resist the temptations of Satan and seek refuge in Allah when faced with evil suggestions. It is through self-discipline and self-control that we can overcome these temptations and strive towards righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah says,

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 our worldly pursuits with our spiritual aspirations. It encourages us to strive for success in the Hereafter while also fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. This requires self-discipline and self-control to avoid falling into corruption and immorality.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of struggling against our own selves as a symbol of nobility. It reminds us that true nobility lies in our ability to overcome our base desires and inclinations, and to strive for righteousness and piety. This struggle is not easy, as it requires constant self-reflection, self-discipline, and self-control. It requires us to resist the temptations of this world and to align our actions with the teachings of Islam.

When we engage in the struggle against our own selves, we cultivate virtues such as patience, perseverance, and humility. We become more conscious of our actions, thoughts, and intentions, and strive to align them with the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah. This struggle leads to personal growth and spiritual development, enabling us to become better Muslims and better human beings.

Moreover, the struggle against the self has far-reaching consequences. It not only affects our individual spiritual journey but also has a positive impact on our families, communities, and society as a whole. When we strive to overcome our own weaknesses and vices, we become role models for others. Our actions inspire and motivate those around us to embark on their own journey of self-improvement and self-discipline. This creates a ripple effect of positive change, leading to a more righteous and harmonious society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that struggling against our own selves is a symbol of nobility. It emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, self-control, and self-improvement in our journey towards righteousness. Through the Quranic verses, we understand that this struggle is a fundamental aspect of our faith and is rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to engage in this noble struggle and may He bless us with success in this world and the Hereafter.