Hadith #7127

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Nothing is purified in the sight of Allah, the Glorified, except the cognizant mind and the disinclined soul [from the pleasures of this world].

This thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the importance of two key qualities in the eyes of Allah: a cognizant mind and a soul that is disinclined towards worldly desires.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The term "عِنْدَ اللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ" refers to the sight or perspective of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the Most High and Exalted. It signifies that the purification being discussed here is not merely a superficial or external purification, but rather a purification that is recognized and valued by Allah Himself.

The word "عَقْلٌ" translates to a cognizant or knowledgeable mind. It refers to a mind that is aware, discerning, and possesses deep understanding. This implies that purification in the sight of Allah requires more than just blind adherence to rituals; it necessitates intellectual growth, seeking knowledge, and understanding the teachings of Islam.

The term "نَفْسٌ" refers to the soul, the inner self of an individual. In this context, it signifies a soul that is disinclined or detached from the pleasures and temptations of this world. It implies a state of self-control, where one's desires and passions are subdued and restrained, allowing the individual to prioritize the pursuit of spiritual growth and righteousness.

To further understand the significance of these qualities, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah says, (Quran 28:5-6)

And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors and establish them in the land and show Pharaoh and [his minister] Haman and their soldiers through them that which they had feared.

This verse highlights the importance of a cognizant mind, as Allah chose the oppressed and granted them leadership and inheritance due to their knowledge and understanding of His guidance. Their intellectual capabilities enabled them to overcome the challenges they faced and establish justice in the land.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah states, (Quran 28:57)

And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern regions of the land and the western ones, which We had blessed. And the good word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of what they had patiently endured. And We destroyed [all] that Pharaoh and his people were producing and what they had been building.

This verse emphasizes the significance of a disinclined soul, as the Children of Israel were granted victory and success due to their detachment from the materialistic pursuits of Pharaoh and their steadfastness in the face of adversity. Their souls were focused on pleasing Allah and seeking His pleasure, rather than being enticed by the temporary pleasures of this world.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the development of their intellect and the purification of their souls. It encourages us to seek knowledge, deepen our understanding of Islam, and apply this knowledge in our daily lives. It also urges us to detach ourselves from the distractions and temptations of this world, allowing our souls to be inclined towards the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

By cultivating a cognizant mind and a disinclined soul, we can attain true purification in the sight of Allah. This purification will not only benefit us individually but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah guide us all on the path of knowledge and righteousness, and may He purify our minds and souls for His sake.