Hadith #1864

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 (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ جاهَدَ نَفْسَهُ أَكْمَلَ التُّقى۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who fights his [lower] self perfects his piety.

In order to understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (jahada) "جاهَدَ" in Arabic refers to the act of striving or struggling. It encompasses both physical and spiritual struggles. In this context, it refers to the internal struggle against one's own desires and inclinations. It is important to note that this struggle is not against the self as a whole, but against the lower self or the ego, which is prone to selfish desires and temptations.

The word (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to one's own self or soul. It represents the innermost essence of a person, including their thoughts, desires, and emotions. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of fighting and restraining the lower self, which is inclined towards worldly pleasures and distractions.

The word (akmala) "أَكْمَلَ" means to perfect or complete. It implies reaching the highest level of piety and righteousness. By engaging in the struggle against the lower self, one can attain a state of spiritual perfection and elevate their level of taqwa (piety and consciousness of Allah).

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights the importance of taqwa as the ultimate provision for the journey of life. It is through the struggle against the lower self that one can attain this taqwa and truly fear Allah.

In Surah Al-Asr (103:2-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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. By fighting the lower self, one can overcome their weaknesses and engage in righteous deeds, thus attaining success in the sight of Allah.

The consequences of engaging in this internal struggle are profound. By fighting the lower self, one can purify their intentions and actions, aligning them with the pleasure of Allah. This leads to a heightened sense of spirituality, increased self-discipline, and a stronger connection with the Divine. It allows one to overcome their desires and temptations, enabling them to make choices based on what is pleasing to Allah rather than succumbing to their own whims.

Moreover, engaging in this struggle helps to develop self-control and resilience. It strengthens one's character and enables them to face challenges and hardships with patience and perseverance. By conquering the lower self, one becomes more conscious of their actions and strives to live a life of righteousness and integrity.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement. It encourages us to constantly evaluate our actions and intentions, and to strive towards purifying our hearts and souls. By engaging in this struggle, we can attain a higher level of piety and righteousness, and ultimately seek the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of fighting the lower self in order to perfect our piety. It emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, self-control, and self-improvement. By engaging in this internal struggle, we can attain spiritual perfection, strengthen our connection with Allah, and lead a life of righteousness and integrity. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to engage in this struggle and perfect our piety.