Hadith #1863

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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 self-struggle and self-discipline. Let us delve into the exegesis of this beautiful Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in the Hadith. The word (mujahadati) "مُجاهَدَةِ" refers to the struggle or combat against one's own self. It implies a constant battle against the lower desires and inclinations that may lead one astray from the path of righteousness. The word (ahwiyatiha) "أهْوِيَتِها" refers to the vain desires or whims of the self, which can often be deceptive and misleading.

To understand the significance of this struggle, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286):

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah has given us the capacity to overcome our lower selves and resist its temptations. It is within our power to prevail over our desires and make choices that align with the teachings of Islam.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages self-discipline and self-control in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:201), Allah says:

Indeed, among you are those who hasten to good deeds, and they are ahead of them.

This verse highlights the importance of striving to excel in righteousness and surpassing one's own self in the pursuit of goodness.

The exegesis of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the struggle against our lower selves is a lifelong endeavor. It requires constant vigilance and determination to overcome our base desires and inclinations. By consistently prevailing over our lower selves, we strengthen our character and draw closer to Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that this struggle is not a one-time effort, but a continuous battle. It is not enough to simply resist our desires occasionally; rather, we must consistently fight against them, ensuring that they do not overpower us.

The consequences of neglecting this struggle are dire. If we allow our lower selves to dominate our actions and decisions, we risk straying from the path of righteousness and falling into sinful behavior. This can lead to spiritual stagnation and distance us from the mercy and guidance of Allah.

On the other hand, if we actively engage in the struggle against our lower selves, we can experience immense spiritual growth and development. By resisting our vain desires and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam, we strengthen our faith and draw closer to Allah. This self-discipline enables us to lead a more purposeful and fulfilling life, both in this world and the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to engage in the ongoing struggle against their lower selves. By consistently prevailing over our desires and fighting against their vain inclinations, we can strengthen our character, deepen our faith, and draw closer to Allah. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to overcome our lower selves and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.