Hadith #10394

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالْمُجاهَدَةِ صَلاحُ النَّفْسِ۔" This can be translated as,

Uprightness of the soul is [attained] through struggle.

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

The word (مُجاهَدَةِ) "mujahada" in this Hadith refers to the act of striving or struggling. It is derived from the root word (جِهَاد) "jihad" which means to exert effort in the path of Allah. However, it is important to note that the concept of jihad encompasses various forms, including the struggle against one's own self, desires, and temptations.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of self-struggle in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286, Allah says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah knows our capabilities and expects us to strive within our limits. Struggling against our own weaknesses and temptations is a means of purifying our souls and attaining righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 69, Allah says,

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse highlights that those who strive and struggle in the path of Allah will be guided by Him. The act of striving is not only a means of self-improvement but also a way to seek the guidance and support of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of self-struggle in attaining righteousness. Through this Hadith, he reminds us that the path to spiritual growth and self-improvement requires effort and determination. It is through the struggle against our own desires, temptations, and weaknesses that we can achieve a state of upright and purified souls.

When we engage in self-struggle, we become aware of our flaws and shortcomings. This awareness allows us to rectify our behavior and align ourselves with the teachings of Islam. For example, if we struggle against the temptation to lie, we develop the habit of speaking the truth. If we strive against the inclination to be selfish, we cultivate a spirit of generosity and selflessness.

The consequences of neglecting self-struggle are detrimental to our spiritual well-being. If we do not actively strive against our own vices, we risk falling into a state of complacency and stagnation. Our souls become tainted with impurities, hindering our spiritual growth and distancing us from Allah's mercy. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to engage in continuous self-reflection and struggle against their own weaknesses.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-struggle in our journey towards righteousness. It serves as a motivation for us to actively engage in self-improvement and to strive against our own shortcomings. By exerting effort and seeking Allah's guidance, we can purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and ultimately attain the pleasure of Allah.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and determination to engage in self-struggle and attain upright souls. May He guide us on the path of righteousness and bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.