Hadith #1832

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he provides us with a comprehensive understanding of the concept of Jihad. He states that the first thing we must strive against in the path of Allah is through physical actions, using our hands. This refers to actively engaging in acts of righteousness and combating injustice in the physical realm. It encompasses actions such as defending the weak, promoting justice, and standing up against oppression.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then highlights the importance of using our tongues as a means of Jihad. This involves speaking out against falsehood, spreading knowledge, and conveying the message of Islam. It emphasizes the power of words in influencing hearts and minds, and the responsibility we have to use our speech for the sake of truth and justice.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of Jihad of the heart. This refers to the internal struggle against one's own desires, inclinations, and weaknesses. It involves purifying our intentions, cultivating taqwa (God-consciousness), and striving to align our hearts with the teachings of Islam. This inner struggle is crucial in attaining spiritual growth and developing a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for further guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of using our tongues in a responsible and respectful manner. It teaches us to refrain from ridiculing, insulting, or belittling others, as it goes against the principles of Islam. Instead, we should strive to promote unity, understanding, and respect among all individuals.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:104), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of enjoining good and forbidding evil, which aligns with the concept of Jihad mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It encourages Muslims to actively promote righteousness and discourage wrongdoing, both in their personal lives and within society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes the Hadith by stating that the one who fails to support good with their heart and does not censure evil will be turned upside down, implying that they will face the consequences of their inaction. This serves as a reminder of the importance of actively engaging in Jihad on all levels - physical, verbal, and spiritual.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a comprehensive understanding of Jihad. It encompasses striving with our hands, tongues, and hearts in the path of Allah. By actively engaging in acts of righteousness, speaking out against falsehood, and purifying our intentions, we can fulfill our duty as Muslims and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to embody the teachings of this Hadith and strive in His cause.