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مَنْ قَوِيَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ تَناهى فِي القُوَّةِ۔

Whoever is able to gain control over his [carnal] self has attained the highest degree of strength.

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Whoever is able to gain control over his [carnal] self has attained the...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Soul And Holding It To Account)

Personal Reflection

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 (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ قَوِيَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ تَناهى فِي القُوَّةِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

Whoever is able to gain control over his [carnal] self has attained the highest degree of strength.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (qawiya) "قَوِيَ" in the Hadith refers to strength or power. It signifies the ability to overcome challenges and resist temptations. In the context of the Hadith, this strength is directed towards gaining control over one's own self, particularly the carnal desires and impulses that can lead a person astray.

The phrase (tanaha fi al-quwwah) "تَناهَى فِي القُوَّةِ" can be understood as reaching the pinnacle of strength. It implies that true strength lies in mastering oneself and achieving self-control. This is a fundamental aspect of spiritual growth and development.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of self-control and the struggle against one's desires. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

This verse highlights the significance of relying on Allah and fearing Him. By doing so, one can find the strength to resist their desires and find a way out of difficult situations. It is through this reliance on Allah that true strength is attained.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [there is a share for] those who came after them, saying, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.'

This verse highlights the importance of forgiveness and controlling one's emotions. It teaches us that true strength lies in letting go of resentment and animosity towards others. By doing so, we can maintain unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He emphasizes that the ultimate strength is not physical prowess or dominance over others, but rather the ability to conquer one's own self. This requires discipline, self-restraint, and the constant struggle against our base desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, and his words in this Hadith serve as a reminder for all Muslims to strive for self-improvement and self-mastery. By gaining control over our own selves, we can resist the temptations of this world and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of attaining this level of self-control are immense. It allows us to make conscious choices that align with the teachings of Islam, rather than being driven solely by our desires. It empowers us to resist sinful actions and seek forgiveness when we falter. Moreover, it enables us to be a source of strength and inspiration for others, as we lead by example in our moral conduct and adherence to Islamic principles.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true strength lies in gaining control over our own selves. By mastering our desires and impulses, we can attain the highest degree of strength and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This requires discipline, self-restraint, and a constant struggle against our base instincts. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to overcome our weaknesses and strive for self-improvement.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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