Hadith #1868

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Struggling against the self is a trait of the noble ones.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (mujahadatu) "مُجاهَدَةُ" in the Hadith refers to the act of striving or struggling against one's own self. It implies exerting effort to overcome one's desires, temptations, and weaknesses in order to adhere to the path of righteousness. This struggle is not physical, but rather a spiritual and moral battle within oneself.

The term (an-nafs) "النَّفْسِ" in the Hadith refers to the self or the soul. It encompasses the innermost essence of a person, including their thoughts, desires, and inclinations. The self can be inclined towards both good and evil, and it is through the struggle against its negative tendencies that one can attain nobility.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of struggling against the self. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 29:6)

And whoever strives only strives for [the benefit of] himself. Indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.

This verse highlights that the struggle against the self is ultimately for the individual's own benefit and spiritual growth.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of righteous actions and mutual advice towards truth. Struggling against the self is an integral part of this process, as it requires patience and perseverance.

The struggle against the self is not an easy task, but it is a defining characteristic of the noble ones. It requires self-discipline, self-control, and a deep understanding of one's own weaknesses and strengths. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, recognized the significance of this struggle and highlighted it as a trait of the noble ones.

When we engage in the struggle against our own selves, we are able to purify our hearts and elevate our souls. We become more conscious of our actions and strive to align them with the teachings of Islam. This struggle leads to self-improvement, increased taqwa (God-consciousness), and a closer relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, the struggle against the self has far-reaching consequences. It not only impacts our individual spiritual growth but also has a positive influence on our families, communities, and society as a whole. When we strive to overcome our own weaknesses, we become role models for others, inspiring them to embark on their own journeys of self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that struggling against the self is a trait of the noble ones. This struggle is a spiritual battle within ourselves, requiring self-discipline and self-control. It is through this struggle that we attain spiritual growth, purify our hearts, and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and determination to engage in this noble struggle and become among the noble ones.