Hadith #1848

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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) highlights the virtues and qualities of a true believer who strives to attain nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins by stating,

Indeed the one who struggles against his [lower] self...

The word used here for "struggles" is (المُجاهِدَ) "mujahid", which refers to one who engages in a constant struggle against their own desires and inclinations. This struggle is not limited to physical combat, but encompasses the internal battle against the temptations of the self.

This concept of self-struggle is beautifully echoed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of exerting effort and striving against our own weaknesses and desires. It reminds us that Allah has equipped us with the ability to overcome our inner struggles and attain spiritual growth.

The Hadith continues, "...overcomes his anger..." The word used here for "overcomes" is (المُغالِبَ) "mughaliba", which signifies the act of suppressing and controlling one's anger. It emphasizes the importance of mastering our emotions and not allowing anger to dictate our actions.

The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Imran (3:134) beautifully complements this aspect of the Hadith, stating,

Those who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages us to control our anger and forgive others, as it is a quality beloved to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, the Hadith states,

...and is careful in obeying [the commandments of] Allah...

The word used here for "careful" is (المُحافِظَ) "muhaafiz", which denotes the act of guarding and preserving something. In this context, it refers to one who diligently safeguards their obedience to Allah's commands.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of obeying Allah's commandments. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187), Allah says,

And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the night.

This verse highlights the importance of adhering to the specific timings and regulations of fasting, demonstrating our commitment to obeying Allah's commands.

The Hadith concludes by stating,

...is raised by Allah, the Glorified, to the status of the one who fasts by day and stands in prayer by night, and is granted the rank of the patient soldier [who fights in His way].

This part of the Hadith emphasizes the lofty status and rewards bestowed upon those who engage in self-struggle, control their anger, and diligently obey Allah's commands.

In Surah Al-Hajj (22:58), Allah states,

And those who emigrate for the cause of Allah and then are killed or die - Allah will surely provide for them a good provision. And indeed, it is Allah who is the best of providers.

This verse highlights the honor and reward granted to those who strive and sacrifice in the path of Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to engage in constant self-reflection and self-improvement. It encourages us to strive against our own desires, control our anger, and diligently obey Allah's commands. By doing so, we can attain a high spiritual rank and be rewarded with the blessings and rewards of those who fast and pray, as well as the patient soldiers who fight in the cause of Allah.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and determination to engage in self-struggle, control our anger, and faithfully obey His commands. May He elevate our status and reward us abundantly in this world and the Hereafter.