Hadith #10383

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

اَلاِشْتِغَالُ بِتَهْذِيبِ النَّفْسِ أصْلَحُ۔

This can be translated as,

Being preoccupied with disciplining the soul is better [for you].

Let us delve into the meaning of this enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (al-ishtighal) "اَلاِشْتِغَالُ" refers to being fully engaged or occupied with something. It implies giving one's complete attention and focus to a particular matter. (tahdhib) "تَهْذِيبِ" means disciplining or refining, and (an-nafs) "النَّفْسِ" refers to the soul or the self.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being fully engaged in the process of disciplining and refining our souls. This implies that dedicating our time and efforts to self-improvement and spiritual growth is of utmost significance in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Shams (91:9-10),

He has succeeded who purifies the soul, and he has failed who corrupts it.

This verse emphasizes the importance of purifying and refining our souls. It highlights that success lies in the purification of the soul, while failure is the consequence of corrupting it.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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

This verse reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. Therefore, it is essential for us to engage in the process of disciplining our souls, seeking guidance from Allah, and striving to align our actions with His will.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to prioritize the refinement of our souls because it has profound consequences in our lives. When we actively engage in disciplining our souls, we become more conscious of our actions, thoughts, and intentions. We develop a heightened awareness of our spiritual state and strive to align ourselves with the teachings of Islam.

By disciplining our souls, we cultivate virtues such as patience, gratitude, humility, and compassion. These qualities enable us to navigate the challenges of life with grace and resilience. Moreover, the process of self-discipline helps us overcome our negative traits and tendencies, leading to personal growth and spiritual elevation.

Furthermore, being preoccupied with disciplining the soul leads to a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). As we strive to purify our souls, we become more attuned to the divine presence in our lives. Our hearts become receptive to the guidance and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and we experience a profound sense of peace and tranquility.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being fully engaged in the process of disciplining and refining our souls. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which highlight the significance of purifying the soul and seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By prioritizing the refinement of our souls, we can experience personal growth, develop virtuous qualities, and deepen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be fully engaged in the process of disciplining our souls and bless us with success in this world and the hereafter.