Hadith #10341

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The ignoble soul does not separate from [its] vile attributes.

This impactful Hadith highlights the nature of the lower self (nafs) and its inclination towards base qualities and behaviors.

The word "nafs" refers to the human soul or self. It is the innermost essence of a person, encompassing their desires, emotions, and inclinations. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses the term "nafs ad-diniyyah" which can be translated as the "ignoble soul" or the "base self." This refers to a soul that is inclined towards lowly and despicable qualities, such as arrogance, greed, and selfishness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of purifying the soul and striving towards righteousness. In Surah Ash-Shams, Allah says, (Quran 91:7-10)

And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it. And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness. He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who instills it [with corruption].

Here, Allah highlights the dual nature of the soul, which has the potential for both righteousness and wickedness. It is up to the individual to purify their soul and strive towards righteousness. This aligns with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, where he emphasizes that the ignoble soul does not separate from its vile attributes. This means that if one does not actively strive to purify their soul and distance themselves from base qualities, they will remain trapped in a cycle of negativity and moral degradation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qiyamah, Allah warns against the inclinations of the soul towards evil. He says, (Quran 75:1-4)

No! I swear by the Day of Resurrection. And I swear by the reproaching soul [to the certainty of resurrection]. Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes. [We are] Able [even] to proportion his fingertips.

In this ayah, Allah draws attention to the reproaching soul, which is the conscience that holds individuals accountable for their actions. This soul serves as a reminder of the consequences of one's deeds and the eventual resurrection and judgment. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this sentiment by highlighting the inseparability of the ignoble soul from its vile attributes. It serves as a reminder that one's actions and qualities are a reflection of their inner self and will ultimately be accounted for.

The consequences of allowing the ignoble soul to persist are grave. It leads to moral corruption, distance from Allah, and a life devoid of spiritual growth. However, by recognizing the importance of purifying the soul and actively striving towards righteousness, one can break free from the clutches of their base desires and elevate their spiritual state.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, imparts this valuable lesson to Muslims. He encourages us to reflect upon our own souls, to identify and rectify our vices, and to strive towards the lofty qualities exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can attain spiritual growth, closeness to Allah, and ultimately, success in this life and the hereafter.

May Allah guide us in purifying our souls and grant us the strength to distance ourselves from vile attributes. May He bless us with the wisdom to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Ameen.