Hadith #1870

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Struggling against the self is the best Jihād.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and self-improvement in the path of Allah. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word "mujāhadah" refers to the act of striving or struggling against oneself. It involves exerting effort to overcome one's desires, weaknesses, and temptations for the sake of Allah. It is a continuous battle within oneself to align one's actions and intentions with the teachings of Islam. This struggle requires self-awareness, self-control, and constant self-reflection.

The term "nafs" refers to the self or the soul. It encompasses the inner desires, inclinations, and impulses of an individual. The nafs can be influenced by both good and evil, and it is the responsibility of the individual to purify and elevate it. Struggling against the nafs involves resisting its negative tendencies and striving to cultivate virtuous qualities.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216),

Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse highlights the concept of struggling against one's desires and inclinations. It acknowledges that engaging in Jihad, which includes physical combat, may be difficult and disliked by some. However, Allah reminds us that sometimes what we dislike or find challenging can actually be beneficial for our spiritual growth and development.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving and struggling for the sake of Allah. Those who make efforts to purify their souls and seek His pleasure will be guided by Him. It is through the struggle against the self that one can attain closeness to Allah and receive His divine guidance.

Imam Ali's statement,

Struggling against the self is the best Jihād,

serves as a reminder to Muslims of the paramount importance of self-improvement and self-discipline. It highlights that true Jihad is not limited to physical combat, but encompasses the inner battle against one's own desires and weaknesses.

By engaging in this internal struggle, Muslims can purify their souls, strengthen their faith, and strive for excellence in all aspects of life. It requires constant self-reflection, self-control, and a sincere desire to please Allah. The rewards of this Jihad are immense, as it leads to personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, and ultimately, the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the importance of struggling against the self as the best form of Jihad. It encourages individuals to engage in self-discipline, self-improvement, and self-reflection in order to align their actions and intentions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, Muslims can attain closeness to Allah and strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to engage in this noble struggle and may He accept our efforts.