Hadith #1854

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-struggle (jihad) and seeking repentance (tawbah) in order to achieve success in obeying our Lord. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word "jihad" in this context refers to the internal struggle against one's own desires and inclinations. It is a battle within oneself to overcome temptations and strive for righteousness. This struggle is not limited to physical combat, but encompasses the spiritual and moral dimensions of our lives. It requires constant vigilance and effort to resist the temptations of the lower self and to align our actions with the teachings of Islam.

The word "tawbah" means repentance or turning back to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) after committing a sin. It involves acknowledging our mistakes, feeling remorse, and resolving to change our behavior. Seeking repentance is an essential part of the Islamic faith, as it allows us to seek forgiveness and purify our souls. It is a means of rectifying our relationship with Allah and seeking His mercy and guidance.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3):

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the importance of righteous actions and mutual encouragement towards truth and patience. Struggling against our lower selves and seeking repentance are integral parts of this process.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah is aware of our struggles and does not place upon us a burden that is beyond our capacity. It reassures us that with sincere effort and reliance on Allah, we can overcome our weaknesses and achieve success in our obedience to Him.

The consequences of heeding the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith are profound. By engaging in self-struggle and seeking repentance, we purify our hearts and strengthen our connection with Allah. This leads to increased taqwa (God-consciousness) and a heightened sense of spiritual fulfillment. It enables us to resist the temptations of the world and align our actions with the teachings of Islam.

Moreover, the act of struggling against our lower selves and seeking repentance serves as a motivation for continuous self-improvement. It reminds us that we are fallible beings and that we must constantly strive to better ourselves. This mindset fosters personal growth and development, allowing us to become better Muslims and contributing members of society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the profound wisdom and knowledge possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His words encapsulate the essence of the teachings of Islam and provide us with a roadmap for spiritual success. By following his guidance, we can navigate the challenges of life and attain closeness to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-struggle and seeking repentance in order to achieve success in obeying our Lord. It calls upon us to engage in a constant battle against our lower selves and to turn to Allah in repentance. By doing so, we purify our souls, strengthen our connection with Allah, and strive towards righteousness. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.