Hadith #1859

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 family, his noble companions, and all those who follow their righteous path.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Struggling against the self with knowledge is a symbol of intelligence.

This amazing Hadith highlights the importance of self-discipline and the role of knowledge in achieving it. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are "jihad," "nafs," "ilm," and "aql." "Jihad" refers to the struggle or striving in the path of Allah, which can take various forms, including the struggle against one's own desires and weaknesses. "Nafs" refers to the self or the ego, which encompasses our desires, inclinations, and temptations. "Ilm" means knowledge, and "aql" refers to intelligence or wisdom.

To understand the significance of struggling against the self with knowledge, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56),

Indeed, you [O Muhammad] do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes that true guidance comes from Allah alone, and it is through knowledge and understanding that we can attain this guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

This verse highlights the importance of wisdom, which is a result of knowledge and understanding. It is through wisdom that we can discern between right and wrong, and make informed decisions in our struggle against our own selves.

When we combine these Quranic verses with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that struggling against the self with knowledge is not merely about acquiring information, but rather about using that knowledge to discipline our desires and align them with the teachings of Islam. It is through knowledge that we can recognize our weaknesses and strive to overcome them, ultimately leading to self-improvement and spiritual growth.

For example, let's consider the struggle against anger. When we possess knowledge about the detrimental effects of anger and the virtues of patience and forgiveness, we are better equipped to control our anger and respond with calmness and kindness. This knowledge empowers us to overcome our ego and act in a manner that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Similarly, when we have knowledge about the importance of honesty and integrity, we are more likely to resist the temptation of dishonesty and deceit. This knowledge enables us to make choices that reflect our commitment to righteousness and moral values.

The consequences of struggling against the self with knowledge are profound. It leads to personal growth, increased self-awareness, and a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By disciplining our desires and aligning them with the teachings of Islam, we become individuals who are more conscious of our actions and their impact on ourselves and others.

Moreover, this struggle against the self with knowledge also has a broader societal impact. When individuals strive to improve themselves through knowledge and self-discipline, they contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. They become role models who inspire others to follow the path of righteousness and seek knowledge for personal and collective growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of struggling against the self with knowledge as a symbol of intelligence. By utilizing the knowledge we acquire, we can discipline our desires, overcome our weaknesses, and align ourselves with the teachings of Islam. This struggle leads to personal growth, spiritual development, and a positive impact on society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to engage in this noble struggle and attain His pleasure.