Hadith #1871

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا جِهادَ كَجِهادِ النَّفْسِ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no Jihād like struggle against the self.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-struggle, which is often referred to as the greater Jihād.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words. The word (جِهَاد) "Jihād" refers to striving or struggling in the path of Allah. It encompasses various forms of struggle, including physical, intellectual, and spiritual efforts. The word (نَّفْسِ) "nafs" refers to the self or the soul. It represents the inner desires, inclinations, and weaknesses that can hinder a person's spiritual growth.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216),

Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse highlights the struggle and sacrifice involved in physical Jihād, but it also reminds us that the greater Jihād is the struggle against our own desires and inclinations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving and struggling for the sake of Allah, which includes both physical and spiritual efforts.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The struggle against the self is an internal battle that requires immense self-discipline, self-control, and self-reflection. It involves recognizing our weaknesses, purifying our intentions, and striving to align our actions with the teachings of Islam.

The struggle against the self encompasses various aspects of our lives. It includes controlling our desires, such as refraining from indulging in forbidden pleasures or resisting temptations that lead us away from the path of righteousness. It also involves battling our ego, arrogance, and pride, which can hinder our spiritual growth and harm our relationships with others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, understood the significance of self-struggle. He recognized that true success lies in conquering the inner self and attaining self-mastery. By emphasizing the importance of this struggle, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the journey towards self-improvement and spiritual elevation is a lifelong endeavor.

The consequences of neglecting the struggle against the self can be detrimental to our spiritual well-being. If we allow our desires and ego to overpower us, we may fall into sinful behaviors, distance ourselves from Allah, and harm our relationships with others. On the other hand, when we actively engage in self-struggle, we purify our hearts, strengthen our faith, and become better individuals.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of the struggle against the self as the greatest form of Jihād. It reminds us that true success lies in conquering our inner desires, purifying our intentions, and striving to align our actions with the teachings of Islam. By engaging in this self-struggle, we can attain self-mastery, spiritual growth, and closeness to Allah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to continuously strive against our own selves and become better Muslims.