Hadith #10609

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-control and the need to overcome our vain desires and the distress of our souls. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the command to (اِمْلِكْ عَلَيْكَ هَواكَ)

take control over your vain desires

The word "imlik" means to possess or control, while "hawa" refers to vain desires or whims. This implies that we should not let our desires control us, but rather, we should be in control of our desires. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran about the dangers of following our whims and desires:

(Quran 38:26)

And follow not your own desires, lest you swerve from the right path.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises us to take control over (شَجَى نَفْسِكَ)

the distress of your soul

The word "shajaa" refers to distress or anxiety, and "nafs" refers to the soul or self. This highlights the importance of managing our inner turmoil and finding peace within ourselves. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(Quran 13:28)

Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.

The Hadith further explains that the distress of the soul lies in acting equitably in both the things it loves and hates. This means that our inner turmoil arises when we struggle to maintain fairness and justice in our actions, regardless of our personal inclinations. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands us in the Quran:

(Quran 4:135)

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true self-control involves acting justly and fairly, even in situations where our desires may lead us astray. This requires us to overcome our personal biases and preferences, and to prioritize justice and righteousness above all else. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran:

(Quran 5:8)

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.

By following the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the guidance of the Quran, we can attain true self-control and inner peace. We must strive to overcome our vain desires, manage the distress of our souls, and act with equity and justice in all aspects of our lives. This will lead us to a state of tranquility and harmony, both within ourselves and in our interactions with others.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to control our desires, find peace within our souls, and always act with justice and fairness. Ameen.