Hadith #7277

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he emphasizes the importance of two fundamental aspects of a believer's life: obedience to Allah and the struggle against one's own desires. Let us delve deeper into the meaning and significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (intelligent person) "عاقل". This refers to an individual who possesses wisdom, understanding, and the ability to discern right from wrong. It is a call to every Muslim, regardless of their intellectual capacity, to recognize the importance of adhering to the commandments of Allah and engaging in self-reflection.

The second word is (obedience) "طاعة", which signifies submission and compliance to the will of Allah. Obedience to Allah encompasses following His commands, avoiding His prohibitions, and fulfilling our obligations as Muslims. This obedience should be present in every aspect of our lives, whether it be in our worship, interactions with others, or our personal conduct.

The third word is (struggle) "مجاهدة", which refers to the constant battle against one's own desires and temptations. It is an internal struggle to overcome our lower selves and align our actions with the teachings of Islam. This struggle requires self-discipline, self-control, and a sincere desire for self-improvement.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208),

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of submitting to Allah wholeheartedly and not allowing ourselves to be swayed by the whispers of Satan.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:135), Allah says,

And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.

This verse highlights the significance of self-reflection and seeking forgiveness from Allah when we err. It reminds us that true believers are those who acknowledge their mistakes, repent, and strive to improve themselves.

The consequences of neglecting the obedience of Allah and failing to struggle against our lower selves are evident in the Quran as well. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:19), Allah describes those who turn away from His guidance as being

like a mirage in a lowland which a thirsty one thinks is water until, when he comes to it, he finds it is nothing but finds Allah before Him, and He will pay him in full his due; and Allah is swift in account.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and to strive for self-improvement. By remaining steadfast in our obedience to Allah and constantly struggling against our own desires, we can attain spiritual growth, purify our souls, and ultimately achieve closeness to Allah.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to all Muslims of the importance of obedience to Allah and the struggle against our lower selves. It calls upon us to be intelligent and wise individuals who are constantly striving to align our actions with the teachings of Islam. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to remain steadfast in our obedience and self-reflection.