Hadith #10422

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of restraining the soul and struggling against its vain desires. The Arabic word (rad'u) "رَدْعُ" means to restrain or control, while (an-nafs) "النَّفْسِ" refers to the soul or self. The word (wajihaduha) "وَجِهَادُهَا" means struggling or striving against. (ahwiyatiha) "أهْوِيَتِهَا" refers to the vain desires or whims of the soul. The Hadith states that by restraining the soul and struggling against its vain desires, one's ranks are elevated and their good deeds are multiplied.

This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and struggling against one's desires. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185):

And whoever restrains his soul from his whims, then indeed, Paradise will be his refuge.

The Quran also highlights the significance of self-control and striving against one's desires in Surah Al-A'raf (7:201):

Indeed, those who fear Allah - when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a practical guide for Muslims to elevate their spiritual ranks and increase their good deeds. By restraining the soul, one can overcome the temptations and distractions that lead to sinful behavior. This requires a conscious effort to resist the allure of worldly desires and to align one's actions with the teachings of Islam.

For example, when faced with the temptation to engage in dishonesty, a person who restrains their soul will choose honesty and integrity, even if it means personal sacrifice. By doing so, they not only avoid sin but also earn the reward and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This act of self-restraint and struggle against the soul's desires not only benefits the individual but also contributes to the betterment of society as a whole.

Furthermore, restraining the soul and struggling against its vain desires leads to the multiplication of good deeds. This means that the reward for every good action is increased manifold. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in Surah Al-An'am (6:160):

Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit].

Therefore, by exerting effort to control our desires and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam, we not only earn the reward for the specific good deed but also receive additional blessings and multiplied rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This serves as a powerful motivation for Muslims to strive for self-improvement and to constantly seek opportunities to do good.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of restraining the soul and struggling against its vain desires. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly encourages Muslims to exercise self-control and strive against their desires. By doing so, individuals can elevate their spiritual ranks and multiply their good deeds. This Hadith serves as a practical guide for Muslims to lead a righteous and fulfilling life, aligning their actions with the teachings of Islam and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to restrain our souls and strive against our vain desires.