Hadith #10483

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ عَصى نَفْسَهُ وَصَلَها۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever disobeys his soul has awarded it.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (disobeys) "عَصَى" in this Hadith refers to going against the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It signifies an act of rebellion and defiance against the divine guidance. The word (his soul) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to one's own self or inner being. It represents the desires, inclinations, and ego that reside within each individual.

To understand the deeper implications of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.

This verse highlights the consequences of disobeying Allah's commandments. It leads to a life of misery and spiritual blindness, ultimately resulting in a painful accountability on the Day of Resurrection.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jathiyah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 6:125)

So whoever Allah wants to guide - He expands his breast to [contain] Islam; and whoever He wants to misguide - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allah place defilement upon those who do not believe.

This verse emphasizes that those who disobey Allah's guidance will experience a constriction in their hearts and minds, hindering their ability to comprehend the truth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. When a person disobeys their own soul, they are essentially harming themselves and depriving their soul of spiritual growth and purification. By indulging in sinful actions and neglecting the divine commandments, one distances themselves from the path of righteousness and invites spiritual degradation.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of self-discipline and self-control. It urges individuals to resist the temptations of their desires and to strive for self-improvement. By exercising self-restraint and aligning one's actions with the teachings of Islam, a person can attain spiritual elevation and inner peace.

Moreover, this Hadith emphasizes the significance of self-accountability. Each individual is responsible for their own actions and will be held accountable for them in the Hereafter. By disobeying their own soul, a person is essentially awarding themselves a life of spiritual deprivation and eternal regret.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to strive for self-discipline and self-improvement. It highlights the consequences of disobedience and the importance of aligning one's actions with the divine guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By obeying the commandments of Allah and restraining our desires, we can attain spiritual growth, inner peace, and eternal success. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to overcome our inner struggles.