Hadith #10355

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

اِمْلِكُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ بِدَوامِ جِهادِها۔

This can be translated as,

Gain control over your souls by your continuous struggle against it.

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

The word (imlikoo) "اِمْلِكُوا" is derived from the root word (malaka) "مَلَكَ", which means to possess or have control over something. In this context, it refers to gaining control over our own souls or selves. It implies that we should have mastery over our desires, emotions, and inclinations, and not let them control us. This self-control is essential for spiritual growth and righteousness.

The term (anfusakum) "أنْفُسَكُمْ" refers to our own selves or souls. It encompasses our inner being, including our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of gaining control over our souls, as it is the key to self-improvement and attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The phrase (bidawam jihad-iha) "بِدَوامِ جِهادِها" can be translated as

by your continuous struggle against it.

Here, (jihad) "جِهَاد" refers to the struggle or effort made to overcome one's own self and its negative inclinations. It is not limited to physical combat, but rather encompasses the inner struggle against one's own ego, desires, and temptations.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185),

And whoever volunteers good - then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.

This verse highlights the importance of continuous effort in doing good deeds. It implies that we should strive to improve ourselves and engage in acts of worship consistently, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) appreciates and rewards such efforts.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 encouragement towards truth and patience. It reminds us that the struggle against our own selves requires not only personal effort but also support and guidance from fellow Muslims.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to continuously strive against our own selves. It reminds us that self-control and self-discipline are essential in our spiritual journey. By gaining mastery over our desires and inclinations, we can purify our souls and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This struggle against the self requires constant vigilance and effort. It involves resisting temptations, controlling our anger, practicing patience, and striving to fulfill our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow Muslims. It also involves seeking knowledge and understanding, as knowledge empowers us to make informed choices and overcome our weaknesses.

The consequences of neglecting this struggle are detrimental to our spiritual well-being. If we allow our desires and inclinations to control us, we may fall into sinful behavior and distance ourselves from the path of righteousness. However, by continuously striving against our own selves, we can attain self-purification, spiritual growth, and ultimately, the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to gain control over our souls by continuously struggling against our own selves. This struggle against the self is a fundamental aspect of our spiritual journey and requires self-discipline, self-control, and continuous effort. By striving to overcome our negative inclinations and purify our souls, we can draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attain spiritual excellence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to continuously struggle against our own selves and attain His pleasure.