Hadith #6054

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

No commandment of Allah, the Glorified, that must be obeyed, comes but that it seems unpleasant [to the carnal soul].

This impactful Hadith highlights the nature of human inclination towards resistance and aversion when it comes to fulfilling the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ta'at) "طاعَةِ" refers to obedience, submission, and compliance with the commands of Allah. It encompasses both external actions and internal intentions. The word (kurh) "كُرْه" means unpleasantness, aversion, or dislike. It signifies the innate resistance that the carnal soul feels towards acts of obedience.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obeying His commandments, even when they may seem difficult or unpleasant to our worldly desires. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216), Allah says,

Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse highlights the fact that obedience to Allah's commands may involve actions that are initially disliked or challenging. However, it is through this struggle and submission that we attain spiritual growth and purification. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, knows what is best for us, even when we may not fully comprehend it.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran (3:102), where Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].

This verse emphasizes the importance of wholeheartedly submitting to Allah's commandments, even if they may seem difficult or go against our desires. It reminds us that true believers are those who submit to Allah's will with sincerity and humility.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that obedience to Allah's commandments is not always easy. The carnal soul, driven by its worldly desires, often resists and finds displeasure in acts of obedience. However, it is precisely in these moments of struggle and resistance that our faith is tested and strengthened.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and unwavering commitment to Islam, understood the challenges faced by individuals in obeying Allah's commandments. He himself exemplified complete submission to the will of Allah, even in the face of adversity. His life serves as a shining example of how one can overcome the aversion of the carnal soul and embrace obedience to Allah with sincerity and devotion.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-discipline and self-control. It is crucial for us to recognize the resistance within ourselves and strive to overcome it. By doing so, we can strengthen our relationship with Allah and experience the spiritual growth that comes with submitting to His commandments.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that obedience to Allah's commandments may initially seem unpleasant to our carnal souls. However, it is through this struggle and submission that we attain spiritual growth and closeness to Allah. We must strive to overcome the aversion within ourselves and embrace obedience with sincerity and devotion. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to fulfill His commandments, even when they seem difficult, and may He purify our hearts and souls.