Hadith #1858

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of struggling against our lower selves, or the nafs, as it is the key to attaining Paradise. The word used in the hadith for struggling against the self is (جِهادُ النَّفْسِ) "jihadun-nafs".

The term "jihad" is often associated with physical warfare, but here it is used in a spiritual context. It refers to the internal struggle that every individual must engage in to overcome their base desires, temptations, and negative inclinations. This struggle requires self-discipline, self-control, and constant vigilance over one's thoughts, words, and actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that this struggle against the self is the price of Paradise. It is through this ongoing battle that one can purify their soul, elevate their spiritual status, and ultimately attain the eternal bliss of Paradise. The reward for those who engage in this struggle is immense, as it is described as the greatest reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for those who are aware and conscious of it.

To further understand the significance of struggling against the self, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286):

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and does not burden us with more than we can handle. The struggle against the self is a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and He has equipped us with the strength and resilience to overcome it.

In Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse highlights the divine promise that those who strive and struggle for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will be guided to the right path. By engaging in the jihad against the self, we demonstrate our commitment to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His commandments, and in return, He blesses us with His guidance and support.

The struggle against the self is not an easy task. It requires constant self-reflection, self-correction, and a sincere desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It involves resisting the temptations of this world, controlling our anger, practicing patience, and striving to be better individuals in all aspects of our lives. It is a lifelong journey that requires perseverance and a deep understanding of our own weaknesses and strengths.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the reward for this struggle is Paradise itself. Paradise is the ultimate abode of peace, happiness, and eternal bliss. By engaging in the jihad against the self, we are not only securing our place in Paradise but also transforming ourselves into individuals who are closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and deserving of His mercy and blessings.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of struggling against our lower selves as the price of Paradise. It is through this internal battle that we purify our souls, elevate our spiritual status, and attain the ultimate reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to engage in this jihad against the self, seeking Allah's pleasure and guidance, and may He grant us success in this noble endeavor.