Hadith #10487

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,

مَنْ مَلَكَ نَفْسَهُ عَلا أمْرُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever controls his [carnal] soul, his affair [and status] is elevated.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (malaka) "مَلَكَ" means to possess or control. It refers to having mastery over one's desires, impulses, and emotions. The term (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to the carnal soul or the lower self, which is prone to temptations and distractions. And finally, (ala) "عَلا" signifies the elevation, improvement, or enhancement of one's affairs and status.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 56:

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

This verse emphasizes that true guidance comes from Allah alone. It is only when we control our carnal desires and submit ourselves to His guidance that our affairs are elevated.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 84, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And say, 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance in all aspects of our lives. When we control our lower selves and seek His support, our affairs are elevated, and we are granted a sound entrance and exit from every situation.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of self-control and discipline. When we are able to restrain our desires and impulses, we gain mastery over ourselves. This self-control leads to the improvement and elevation of our affairs and status in the eyes of Allah.

For example, consider a person who is prone to anger and loses control over their emotions. They may say hurtful words or engage in harmful actions. However, if they are able to control their anger and respond with patience and forgiveness, their affairs will be elevated. They will earn the respect and admiration of others, and their relationships will flourish.

Similarly, when it comes to matters of faith, those who control their desires and adhere to the teachings of Islam will find their affairs elevated. They will be steadfast in their prayers, charitable in their actions, and honest in their dealings. Their faith will be a source of strength and guidance, and their status in the sight of Allah will be elevated.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of self-control and discipline. By mastering our carnal desires and submitting ourselves to the guidance of Allah, our affairs and status are elevated. Let us strive to control our lower selves and seek Allah's guidance in all aspects of our lives, so that we may attain true success and elevation in the sight of our Creator.