Hadith #10377

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he describes the soul as a valuable gem. The Arabic word used for soul in this Hadith is (نَّفْسَ) "nafs", which refers to the inner self or the essence of a person. It is the spiritual aspect of our being that distinguishes us from other creations of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (جَوْهَرَةٌ) "jawharah" is used to describe the soul, which means a precious gem or a jewel.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of guarding and preserving this precious gem of the soul. He states that whoever safeguards and protects their soul, elevates it to higher spiritual levels. This means that by nurturing and purifying our souls through righteous actions, seeking knowledge, and practicing self-discipline, we can elevate our spiritual status and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that those who neglect and fail to preserve their souls will degrade and abase themselves. This implies that if we indulge in sinful behavior, neglect our spiritual growth, and allow our desires to control us, we will lower our spiritual state and distance ourselves from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of purifying the soul and seeking righteousness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Ash-Shams (91:9-10),

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

This verse reinforces the idea that the ultimate success lies in purifying and guarding the soul, while corruption and neglect lead to failure.

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

And I swear by the soul that reproaches itself.

This oath by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) highlights the significance of the soul and its ability to recognize its own faults and seek repentance. It is a reminder that our souls have a conscience that guides us towards righteousness and warns us against wrongdoing.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that our souls are not only valuable but also vulnerable. We must be mindful of our actions, thoughts, and intentions, as they directly impact the state of our souls. By consciously guarding and preserving our souls, we can strive for spiritual growth and attain closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Conversely, neglecting our souls and succumbing to sinful desires will lead to a degradation of our spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a profound insight into the nature of the soul and its significance in our journey towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the purification and preservation of their souls, as it is through this process that we can attain true success and fulfillment in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to guard and elevate our souls, and may He bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.