Hadith #10417

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Deterring the soul from vain desire is the greater Jihad.

This enlightening saying emphasizes the importance of self-control and self-discipline in the path of righteousness. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (rad'u) "رَدْعُ" in Arabic refers to restraining or deterring oneself from something. It implies a conscious effort to resist and control one's desires and inclinations. The word (an-nafs) "النَّفْسِ" refers to the self or the soul, which encompasses our desires, emotions, and impulses. (al-hawa) "الهَوى" refers to vain desires or whimsical inclinations that divert us from the path of righteousness.

This Hadith highlights the significance of self-control and self-discipline as the "greater Jihad." The term (al-jihadu al-akbar) "الجِهَادُ الأكْبَرِ" refers to the greater struggle or the supreme Jihad. It signifies the internal battle against one's own desires and temptations, which is considered more challenging and rewarding than any external physical struggle.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support and shed light on the concept of deterring the soul from vain desires. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 90:4-5)

And We have certainly created man to struggle (jihad) in this world, and We have made his soul inclined towards evil.

This verse acknowledges the inherent inclination of the human soul towards evil and highlights the need for constant struggle to overcome it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 49:11)

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of restraining oneself from engaging in harmful speech and actions. It emphasizes the need to control our tongues and avoid insulting or ridiculing others, as it goes against the principles of faith and righteousness. This act of self-restraint is a form of Jihad against our own ego and desires.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to prioritize the struggle against their own vain desires and whims over any other form of external struggle. It reminds us that true success lies in mastering our own selves, as Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,

The best Jihad is the one against one's own self.

By deterring our souls from vain desires, we attain a higher level of self-purification and spiritual growth. It allows us to align our actions with the teachings of Islam and to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. When we resist the temptations of our ego and choose righteousness over immediate gratification, we strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and become closer to attaining His pleasure.

Moreover, deterring the soul from vain desires has far-reaching consequences in our personal and social lives. It enables us to maintain harmony and unity within our communities, as we refrain from engaging in harmful behavior or spreading discord. It cultivates a sense of empathy, compassion, and selflessness, which are essential qualities for building a just and righteous society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the internal struggle against their own vain desires. It emphasizes the importance of self-control and self-discipline in the path of righteousness. By deterring our souls from vain desires, we attain spiritual growth, strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and contribute to the betterment of our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to engage in this greater Jihad and attain success in both this world and the Hereafter.