Hadith #10459

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Perfection of righteousness is in struggling against the [carnal] soul.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the importance of self-discipline and self-control in the path of righteousness. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (struggling against the [carnal] soul) "مُجاهَدَةِ النَّفْسِ". The term (soul) "نَّفْسِ" refers to the inner self, including desires, inclinations, and temptations. It represents the lower self, which can lead a person astray if not controlled. The word (struggling) "مُجاهَدَةِ" implies a continuous and active effort to combat the negative influences of the soul.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of self-control and the struggle against the soul in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77),

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse highlights the need to strike a balance between the worldly affairs and the pursuit of the Hereafter. It encourages Muslims to engage in righteous actions while avoiding corruption and excesses. This struggle requires self-discipline and control over one's desires and temptations.

Another verse that supports the concept of struggling against the soul is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.

This verse reminds Muslims that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not burden them beyond their capabilities. It encourages them to fulfill their obligations and express gratitude to Allah for His guidance. This requires self-control and the ability to resist the temptations that may hinder the completion of one's duties.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes that the perfection of righteousness lies in the struggle against the soul. It implies that true righteousness is not merely performing outward acts of worship, but also involves purifying one's inner self and constantly striving to overcome the negative inclinations of the soul.

By engaging in this struggle, Muslims can attain a higher level of spirituality and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They become more conscious of their actions, intentions, and desires, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. This struggle leads to self-improvement, self-discipline, and ultimately, the attainment of righteousness.

The consequences of neglecting this struggle are evident in the lives of those who succumb to their base desires and temptations. They become slaves to their own whims and desires, leading to moral degradation, spiritual emptiness, and a disconnection from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Such individuals may engage in harmful actions, neglect their religious obligations, and harm themselves and others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of struggling against our own souls in the path of righteousness. It urges us to actively combat our negative inclinations, desires, and temptations, and to strive for self-discipline and self-control. By doing so, we can attain a higher level of spirituality, strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and ultimately achieve true righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to engage in this struggle and attain His pleasure.