Hadith #1866

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

مَنْ لَمْ يُجاهِدْ نَفْسَهُ لَمْ يَنَلِ الفَوْزَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-struggle or self-discipline in order to achieve success and victory in this life and the hereafter.

The word (jāhada) "جَاهَدَ" in this Hadith is derived from the root word (jahada) "جَهَدَ", which means to strive, struggle, or exert effort. It is important to note that the concept of jihad in Islam encompasses various forms, including the struggle against one's own self (jihad al-nafs), as well as the struggle against external challenges and obstacles.

The word (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" in this Hadith refers to one's own self or soul. It represents the inner desires, inclinations, and temptations that can lead a person astray if not controlled and disciplined. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the importance of self-struggle and self-discipline as a means to overcome these inner struggles and attain victory.

This profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and self-control in the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 50:16)

And We have certainly created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.

This verse highlights the fact that Allah is fully aware of our inner struggles and temptations. It is our responsibility to strive against our own selves and resist the whispers of our souls. This self-struggle is essential for spiritual growth and attaining success in both this world and the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of righteous actions and mutual advice towards truth and patience. It implies that success and victory can only be achieved through self-discipline, righteous deeds, and sincere advice to one another. By struggling against our own selves and striving to do good, we can attain the ultimate victory and salvation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly engage in self-reflection and self-improvement. It encourages us to identify our weaknesses, desires, and temptations, and actively strive against them. By doing so, we can purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and achieve victory in this life and the hereafter.

The consequences of neglecting self-struggle are grave. If one fails to exert effort in disciplining their own self, they risk falling into the traps of their desires and temptations. This can lead to a life of sin, spiritual stagnation, and ultimately, loss in the hereafter. On the other hand, those who actively engage in self-struggle and strive against their own selves will find themselves on the path of righteousness, closer to Allah, and ultimately attaining success and victory.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to engage in self-discipline and self-struggle. It emphasizes the importance of striving against our own selves in order to attain success and victory in this life and the hereafter. By aligning our desires and actions with the teachings of Islam, we can purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and ultimately achieve the ultimate victory and salvation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to engage in self-struggle and attain success in both worlds.