Hadith #1853

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

جِهادُ النَّفْسِ أفْضَلُ جِهاد۔

This translates to

Struggling against the self is the best Jihad.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of self-discipline and self-improvement in the path of righteousness.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (Jihad) "جِهادُ" refers to striving or struggling in the way of Allah. It encompasses various forms of struggle, including physical, intellectual, and spiritual efforts. (an-nafs) "النَّفْسِ" refers to the self or the soul. It represents the innermost essence of a person, including their desires, emotions, and inclinations.

To understand the significance of struggling against the self, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185),

Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.

This verse reminds us that Allah desires ease for His servants and does not burden them beyond their capabilities. However, self-discipline and self-control are necessary to overcome our own weaknesses and inclinations towards sin.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:2-3), Allah says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss.

This verse highlights the inherent struggle and challenges that human beings face in their journey towards righteousness. It emphasizes the need for constant self-reflection and improvement to avoid falling into loss.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement underscores the idea that the greatest struggle one can engage in is the battle against their own self. This internal struggle involves combating one's own desires, ego, and negative inclinations. It requires self-discipline, self-control, and constant self-evaluation.

By engaging in this inner struggle, Muslims can purify their souls, strengthen their faith, and attain spiritual growth. It is through this Jihad against the self that one can achieve a higher level of consciousness and closeness to Allah. This form of Jihad is not limited to specific times or places, but rather it is a continuous effort that should be undertaken throughout one's life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified the concept of Jihad against the self. His deep knowledge, wisdom, and piety allowed him to conquer his own desires and remain steadfast in the face of adversity. He was known for his selflessness, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the greatest Jihad is the struggle against our own selves. By striving to overcome our own weaknesses and inclinations towards sin, we can attain spiritual growth and draw closer to Allah. This internal struggle requires self-discipline, self-control, and constant self-evaluation. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to engage in this noble Jihad and attain success in this life and the Hereafter.