Hadith #6995

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he provides us with valuable guidance on how to navigate our lives and strive for success in both this world and the Hereafter. Let us delve into the exegesis of this hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The first instruction given by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is to "fetter your intellect" or "restrain your intellect." The word used here is (aqlak) "عَقْلَكَ", which refers to one's intellect or reasoning ability. This instruction urges us to exercise control over our thoughts and to not let our intellect lead us astray. It reminds us that our intellect should be guided by divine teachings and moral values, rather than being driven solely by our desires or worldly ambitions.

This concept is beautifully emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 199, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages us to use our intellect to discern between what is good and what is ignorant, and to follow the path of righteousness.

The second instruction given by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is to "control your affair" or

take charge of your affairs.

The word used here is (amrak) "أمْرَكَ", which refers to one's affairs or matters. This instruction reminds us to take responsibility for our actions, decisions, and the consequences that follow. It urges us to be proactive in shaping our lives and not to be passive spectators.

In Surah Al-Isra, verse 84, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'Each works according to his manner, but your Lord is most knowing of who is best guided in way.'

This verse highlights the importance of taking charge of our affairs and making conscious choices in accordance with the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The third instruction given by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is to

struggle with your [lower] self

or

fight against your own self.

The word used here is (nafsak) "نَفْسَكَ", which refers to one's self or ego. This instruction emphasizes the need for self-discipline and self-control. It reminds us that our greatest enemy lies within ourselves, in our own desires and temptations.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

This verse encourages us to struggle against our own selves and to rely on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for guidance and support.

The fourth and final instruction given by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is to

exert your effort in working for the Hereafter.

The phrase used here is (a'mal lill-akhirati jahdak) "اعْمَلْ للآخِرَةِ جَهْدَكَ", which emphasizes the importance of striving and putting in sincere effort for the sake of the Hereafter. It reminds us that our ultimate goal should be the eternal life in the Hereafter, and that our actions in this world should be directed towards attaining that goal.

In Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 64, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

This verse serves as a reminder that the worldly life is temporary and fleeting, while the Hereafter is the true and everlasting life. It encourages us to prioritize our efforts and investments in the Hereafter, as that is where our ultimate success lies.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with profound guidance on how to navigate our lives and strive for success in both this world and the Hereafter. It urges us to restrain our intellect, take charge of our affairs, fight against our own selves, and exert our effort in working for the Hereafter. By following these instructions, we can align our actions with the teachings of the Quran and ultimately attain success in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement these teachings in our lives.