Hadith #9652

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A person is in the position that he chooses for his soul. If he preserves it, it becomes elevated and if he does not preserve it, it becomes abased.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the immense responsibility that each individual holds in shaping their own destiny.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (rajul) "رَجُل" refers to a person, emphasizing the universal nature of this guidance. (ikhtara) "اخْتَارَ" means to choose, indicating that individuals have the freedom to make decisions that impact their spiritual state. (nafsihi) "نَفْسِهِ" refers to one's soul or self, emphasizing the personal nature of this responsibility. (sanaaha) "صَانَهَا" means to preserve or protect, highlighting the importance of safeguarding one's soul. (irtafa'at) "اِرْتَفَعَتْ" means to become elevated, indicating the positive outcome of preserving one's soul. Conversely, (ibtazalaha) "ابْتَذَلَهَا" means to become abased or degraded, highlighting the negative consequence of neglecting one's soul.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Isra (17:84),

Say, 'Each works according to his manner, but your Lord is most knowing of who is best guided in way.'

This verse emphasizes that each individual is responsible for their own actions and choices. It is through our choices that we shape our spiritual state and determine our ultimate destiny.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah - He will guide his heart. And Allah is Knowing of all things.

This verse highlights the importance of belief in Allah and the guidance He provides. When we choose to preserve our souls by adhering to the teachings of Islam, Allah guides our hearts and elevates our spiritual state.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that our choices have consequences. If we actively strive to protect and preserve our souls by following the teachings of Islam, our souls will be elevated. This elevation manifests in various aspects of our lives, including our character, actions, and relationships. We will experience a sense of peace, contentment, and fulfillment as we align ourselves with the divine will of Allah.

On the other hand, if we neglect our souls and fail to preserve them, they become abased. This degradation can manifest in various negative outcomes, such as moral decay, spiritual emptiness, and a sense of purposelessness. Neglecting our souls can lead to a disconnect from Allah and a loss of spiritual guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith serves as a powerful motivation for Muslims to actively engage in self-reflection and self-improvement. It reminds us that we have the power to shape our own destinies through the choices we make. By preserving our souls and aligning ourselves with the teachings of Islam, we can elevate our spiritual state and experience the blessings and guidance of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the immense responsibility we hold in shaping our own spiritual state. Through our choices and actions, we have the ability to elevate or abase our souls. By actively preserving our souls and adhering to the teachings of Islam, we can experience the blessings and guidance of Allah. May we all strive to protect and elevate our souls, and may Allah grant us success in this endeavor.