مَنْ أهانَ نَفْسَهُ أكْرَمَهُ اللّهُ۔
Whoever abases his [carnal] soul is honoured by Allah.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Soul And Holding It To Account)
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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
Whoever abases his [carnal] soul is honoured by Allah.
This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of humility and self-restraint in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.
The word (abases) "أهانَ" in this Hadith refers to the act of lowering or humbling oneself. It implies restraining the desires and inclinations of the carnal soul, which is prone to arrogance, pride, and self-centeredness. By subduing the ego and practicing humility, one can attain the honor and favor of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
The Quran provides us with numerous verses that highlight the significance of humility and self-restraint. For instance, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,
O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.
This verse emphasizes that true nobility lies not in one's lineage or social status, but in righteousness and piety.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,
That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.
This verse reminds us that those who do not seek worldly power or engage in corruption are the ones who will be granted honor and success in the Hereafter.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to reflect upon our actions and intentions. When we humble ourselves and refrain from indulging in the desires of our carnal soul, we are demonstrating our submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This act of self-abasement is not a sign of weakness, but rather a display of strength and wisdom.
By restraining our ego, we become more receptive to the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His commandments. We prioritize the needs of others over our own desires, and we strive to serve humanity with sincerity and compassion. This selflessness and humility are qualities that are highly esteemed in Islam.
When we abase our carnal soul, we detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits and worldly temptations that often lead to arrogance and pride. Instead, we focus on cultivating our spiritual growth and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This path of self-restraint and humility not only brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but it also earns us His honor and blessings.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of humbling ourselves and restraining our ego. By abasing our carnal soul and prioritizing the needs of others, we attain the honor and favor of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to embody humility and self-restraint in our daily lives, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the ultimate success in the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to follow the path of humility and righteousness.
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