Hadith #10481

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ تَجَرَّدَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who knows himself divests himself [of all worldly desires].

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

The word (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" in this Hadith refers to the self or the soul of an individual. It signifies the innermost essence of a person, their true nature, and their spiritual identity. It is through self-awareness and self-realization that one can truly understand their purpose in life and their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (tajarrada) "تَجَرَّدَ" in this Hadith means to divest oneself or to detach oneself from worldly desires and attachments. It implies a state of renunciation and detachment from the materialistic pursuits that often distract us from our spiritual journey and ultimate goal of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of self-awareness, self-purification, and detachment from worldly desires. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse reminds us that the worldly pursuits and possessions are temporary and fleeting. They are like a passing amusement that distracts us from the true purpose of our existence. By recognizing the transitory nature of worldly desires, we can detach ourselves from them and focus on the eternal and everlasting rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the early Muslims in Madinah who preferred the needs of the emigrants over their own, despite facing their own hardships. It exemplifies the concept of divesting oneself from selfish desires and putting the needs of others before one's own. By doing so, they achieved success in both this world and the hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-transformation. It reminds us that true knowledge is not limited to intellectual pursuits but encompasses understanding our own selves, our strengths, weaknesses, and desires. By recognizing our own flaws and weaknesses, we can strive to overcome them and purify our souls.

When we divest ourselves of worldly desires, we free our hearts and minds from the shackles of materialism. This detachment allows us to focus on our spiritual growth, seeking nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving to attain His pleasure. It enables us to prioritize the needs of others, practice selflessness, and contribute positively to society.

By knowing ourselves and divesting ourselves of worldly desires, we can attain a higher level of consciousness and spirituality. This self-awareness and detachment lead to a state of contentment, inner peace, and tranquility. It allows us to align our actions and intentions with the teachings of Islam, leading to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-transformation. By knowing ourselves and divesting ourselves of worldly desires, we can attain spiritual growth, inner peace, and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This Hadith encourages us to prioritize our spiritual well-being over materialistic pursuits, practice selflessness, and contribute positively to society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.