Hadith #10372

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inherent nature of the human soul and its inclination towards disobedience. The Arabic word (nafs) "نَفْسَ" refers to the soul or the self, and (abadu) "أبْعَدُ" means far-reaching or extensive. The word (manza'an) "مَنْزَعاً" is derived from the root word (naza'a) "نَزَعَ", which means to incline or lean towards something. Therefore, the Hadith conveys that the soul has deep-rooted desires that constantly pull it towards disobedience and sinful actions.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) acknowledges the inner struggle within the human soul and its inclination towards evil in several verses. For instance, in Surah Yusuf (12:53), Allah says,

And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy.

This verse emphasizes that the soul is prone to commanding evil and disobedience unless it is guided and protected by the mercy of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:2), Allah states,

Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes, We are Able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers.

This verse highlights the comprehensive knowledge and power of Allah in assembling the human body, including the fingertips. It signifies that Allah is well aware of the intricate details of our existence, including the inclinations of our souls towards disobedience.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and cautious of their inner desires. It highlights the constant struggle between the soul's inclinations towards disobedience and the need to resist those temptations in order to attain righteousness. This struggle is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, and it is through self-discipline and seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) that one can overcome these inclinations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound insight into the nature of the soul serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for self-improvement and spiritual growth. It reminds us that we must be mindful of our actions and constantly seek Allah's guidance to resist the temptations that arise from our desires. By doing so, we can purify our souls and attain closeness to Allah.

The consequences of succumbing to the desires of the soul are grave. Indulging in disobedience and sinful actions not only distances us from Allah but also tarnishes our character and weakens our spiritual well-being. It leads to a state of spiritual darkness and hinders our progress towards righteousness. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to be aware of the inclinations of their souls and strive to resist them in order to maintain a strong connection with Allah and lead a righteous life.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words, we are reminded of the importance of self-control and self-discipline in our journey towards spiritual growth. It is through understanding the nature of our souls and striving to align our desires with the teachings of the Quran that we can overcome the inclinations towards disobedience. By seeking Allah's guidance and constantly striving to improve ourselves, we can purify our souls and attain the ultimate goal of attaining Allah's pleasure and eternal success in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sheds light on the inherent nature of the human soul and its inclination towards disobedience. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and cautious of their inner desires, striving to resist the temptations that arise from them. By seeking Allah's guidance and striving for self-improvement, we can purify our souls and attain closeness to Allah. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome the inclinations of our souls and lead a righteous life.