Hadith #1867

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, and his noble companions.

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

ما مِنْ جِهاد أفْضَلُ مِنْ جِهادِ النَّفْسِ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no struggle more worthy than struggling against the self.

Let us now delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The key word in this Hadith is (jihad) "جِهَاد", which refers to a struggle or striving in the path of Allah. It is important to note that jihad does not solely refer to physical warfare, as it is often misunderstood. Jihad encompasses various forms of struggle, including the internal struggle against one's own desires and temptations.

The term (an-nafs) "النَّفْسِ" in this Hadith refers to the self or the soul. It represents the innermost essence of a person, including their desires, inclinations, and ego. Struggling against the self means exerting effort to overcome one's base desires and to align oneself with the teachings of Islam. It is a battle against the lower self, which is prone to selfishness, greed, and arrogance.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of struggling against the self. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 constant struggle within the human soul, as it is constantly tempted by its own desires and inclinations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 28:56)

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance and success come from Allah alone. It is only through struggling against our own selves and seeking His guidance that we can attain spiritual growth and righteousness.

The struggle against the self is a lifelong journey that requires constant self-reflection, self-discipline, and self-control. It involves resisting temptations, purifying one's intentions, and striving to become a better Muslim. This struggle is not easy, as it requires sacrificing immediate gratification for the sake of long-term spiritual growth. It requires us to prioritize the pleasure of Allah over our own desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, emphasized the importance of struggling against the self. He understood that true success lies in conquering one's own ego and aligning oneself with the teachings of Islam. By struggling against the self, we can overcome our weaknesses, develop self-control, and attain a higher level of spirituality.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims that the greatest struggle is the one we face within ourselves. It is a call to constantly evaluate our actions, intentions, and desires, and to strive for self-improvement. By engaging in this internal jihad, we can purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and ultimately attain the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that there is no struggle more worthy than struggling against the self. It reminds us of the importance of self-discipline, self-reflection, and self-control in our journey towards spiritual growth. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to engage in this noble struggle and may He bless us with success in this world and the Hereafter.