Hadith #1857

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-struggle and self-accountability. Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith and explore its profound implications.

The word (jahid) "جاهِدْ" means to strive or struggle. It refers to the continuous effort one must exert to overcome their lower desires and inclinations. This struggle is not physical, but rather a spiritual and moral battle within oneself. It requires constant vigilance and self-discipline to resist temptations and adhere to the teachings of Islam.

The term (nafsaka) "نَفْسَكَ" refers to one's own self or ego. It represents the inner desires and inclinations that can lead a person astray if not kept in check. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to struggle against our own selves, recognizing that our own selves can be our greatest enemy if left unchecked.

The phrase (muhasabat al-sharik sharikahu) "مُحاسَبَةَ الشَّريكِ شَريكَهُ" can be translated as

call it to account the way a partner would hold his partner accountable.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares the self to a partner, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and self-evaluation. Just as a partner in a business venture would meticulously examine the accounts to ensure fairness and transparency, we must hold ourselves accountable for our actions and intentions.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to

demand from it the right of Allah the way an adversary would demand from his foe.

This implies that we should be relentless in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fulfilling our obligations towards Him. We should approach our own selves with the same determination and intensity that an adversary would have towards their opponent.

The Hadith concludes by stating that the most felicitous of people are those who undertake the task of self-accountability. This means that those who actively engage in self-reflection, self-improvement, and self-discipline are the ones who will attain true happiness and success in this world and the Hereafter.

This profound teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is beautifully aligned with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-struggle and self-accountability in various verses.

In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the need for self-reflection and self-accountability, urging every individual to assess their own actions and intentions in preparation for the Hereafter.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:16), Allah says,

So fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey and spend [in the way of Allah]; it is better for your selves. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-control and self-discipline, as those who are able to overcome their own selfish desires and spend in the way of Allah will attain true success.

The teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quran complement each other, guiding Muslims towards self-improvement and self-accountability. By engaging in self-struggle and self-reflection, we can purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and strive towards attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This process of self-accountability leads to personal growth, moral development, and ultimately, felicity in this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to engage in self-struggle and self-accountability. By striving against our lower selves, holding ourselves accountable, and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we can attain true success and happiness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to undertake this noble endeavor.