Hadith #10534

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

Man kana lahu min nafsihi zajirun kana 'alayhi min Allahi hafizun.

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who has in his soul a restrainer [from evil], has a protector over him from Allah.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word "zajir" refers to a restrainer or a deterrent. It signifies a force within oneself that prevents a person from engaging in evil or sinful acts. The word "hafiz" means a protector or a guardian. It denotes the divine safeguard that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) provides to those who possess a restraining force within themselves.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can refer to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Yusuf (12:53),

And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy.

This verse highlights the inherent inclination of the human soul towards evil and sin. However, those who are blessed with Allah's mercy are granted a restraining force within themselves that protects them from falling into the traps of their own desires.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes that true guidance comes from Allah alone. It is He who bestows upon individuals the ability to restrain themselves from evil and guides them towards righteousness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) elucidates the concept of self-restraint and divine protection. It teaches us that when a person possesses a restraining force within their soul, it is a sign of Allah's protection over them. This restraining force acts as a shield, guarding them against the temptations and pitfalls of this world.

The presence of this internal restrainer is a reflection of the individual's piety, consciousness of Allah, and their commitment to following His commands. It is a manifestation of their strong faith and their constant effort to resist the allure of sin. Such individuals are vigilant in their actions, constantly striving to please Allah and avoid anything that may displease Him.

The consequences of possessing this restraining force are profound. It leads to a life of righteousness, moral uprightness, and spiritual growth. The individual becomes more aware of their actions, thoughts, and intentions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. They become more cautious in their interactions with others, seeking to promote harmony, justice, and compassion.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of self-discipline and self-control. It encourages us to develop a strong inner voice that guides us away from evil and towards goodness. By nurturing this internal restrainer, we can protect ourselves from the harmful consequences of our own desires and impulses.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of possessing a restraining force within oneself. It serves as a reminder that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate protector and guardian of those who strive to restrain themselves from evil. By reflecting on this Hadith and implementing its teachings in our lives, we can strengthen our relationship with Allah, enhance our moral character, and attain His divine protection. May Allah grant us the ability to develop and maintain this restraining force within ourselves.