Hadith #10504

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنْ أجْهَدَ نَفْسَهُ في إصْلاحِها سَعِدَ۔

This can be translated as:

Whoever struggles with his soul in order to reform it, becomes felicitous.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (ajhada) "أجْهَدَ" comes from the root word (jahada) "جَهَدَ", which means to strive, struggle, or exert effort. It signifies a sincere and continuous effort to overcome the weaknesses of one's soul. The word (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to one's own self or soul. And the word (islahiha) "إصْلاحِها" means to reform, rectify, or improve.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, which provides guidance and support for this concept of self-struggle and self-reformation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Shams (91:9-10):

He has succeeded who purifies it (the soul), and he has failed who instills it (with corruption).

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving to purify one's soul, as success lies in self-reformation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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 reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah alone. Therefore, when we strive to reform ourselves, we are seeking Allah's guidance and relying on His mercy.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of self-struggle and self-reformation. It teaches us that true felicity and success can only be attained through sincere efforts to improve our souls. This struggle involves recognizing our weaknesses, striving to overcome them, and constantly seeking self-improvement.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was a paragon of knowledge and wisdom. His deep understanding of the Quran and his exemplary character serve as an inspiration for Muslims to follow in his footsteps. He demonstrated the importance of self-reflection and self-reformation throughout his life, setting a remarkable example for us to emulate.

When we engage in the struggle to reform ourselves, we embark on a transformative journey. We strive to purify our intentions, control our desires, and cultivate virtues such as patience, gratitude, and compassion. This self-struggle requires discipline, perseverance, and a constant evaluation of our actions and intentions.

The consequences of this self-struggle are profound. By reforming ourselves, we not only attain felicity in this world but also pave the way for eternal success in the hereafter. Our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) deepens, and we become more conscious of His presence in our lives. Our actions align with His commandments, and we strive to fulfill our purpose as His servants.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-accountability and self-improvement. It encourages us to constantly evaluate our actions, thoughts, and intentions, and to strive for self-reformation. By doing so, we not only attain personal growth but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of self-struggle and self-reformation. It urges us to exert sincere efforts to purify our souls, recognizing that true felicity lies in this endeavor. By drawing inspiration from the Quran and following the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can embark on a transformative journey of self-improvement and strive to attain success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to engage in this noble struggle.