Hadith #10461

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 noble companions.

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

في طاعَةِ النَّفْسِ غَيُّها۔

This can be translated into English as,

The misguidance of the soul is in obedience to it.

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

The word (ta'at) "طاعَةِ" in this Hadith refers to obedience or submission. It is derived from the root word (ta'a) "طَاعَ", which means to obey or comply. Obedience is an essential aspect of our faith as Muslims, as we are commanded to submit to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that blind obedience to our own desires and whims can lead us astray. The word (nafs) "نَّفْسِ" in this Hadith refers to the self or the ego. It represents our inner desires, inclinations, and temptations. Our nafs can often lead us away from the path of righteousness and towards misguidance.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Yusuf (12:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 highlights the inherent nature of the nafs to incite towards evil. It is prone to temptations and can easily lead us astray if we are not vigilant.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:2-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes. [We are] Able [even] to proportion his fingertips. But man desires to continue in sin.

These verses emphasize the inclination of the human soul towards sinful actions. Our nafs often desires to indulge in sinful pleasures and deviate from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that blindly obeying the desires of our nafs can lead us towards misguidance. When we prioritize our own desires over the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we are essentially following the misguidance of our own souls. This can have severe consequences on our spiritual well-being and can distance us from the path of righteousness.

For example, if a person is inclined towards materialistic pursuits and becomes obsessed with accumulating wealth, they may engage in unethical practices such as fraud or exploitation. By blindly obeying their nafs, they are disregarding the teachings of Islam that emphasize justice, honesty, and compassion. This leads them towards misguidance and spiritual bankruptcy.

Similarly, if a person is driven by their ego and seeks power and authority, they may resort to oppressing others and causing harm. By prioritizing their own desires over the welfare of others, they are straying away from the teachings of Islam that promote humility, kindness, and justice. This misguided obedience to their nafs can have detrimental effects on their relationships and their overall character.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be cautious and introspective in our obedience. We must critically evaluate our intentions and actions to ensure that they align with the teachings of Islam. Blindly following our own desires can lead to spiritual stagnation and a departure from the true path of guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the misguidance that can arise from blindly obeying the desires of our nafs. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that highlight the inherent inclination of the nafs towards evil, we can better understand the importance of aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to overcome the misguidance of our souls and to always seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.