Hadith #1840

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of Jihad and its connection to attaining Paradise. The word (جِهَاد) "Jihad" in Arabic refers to striving or struggling in the path of Allah. It encompasses various forms of struggle, including physical, intellectual, and spiritual efforts to uphold the truth and establish justice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that Jihad is the price or cost of Paradise. This implies that engaging in Jihad is not an easy task; it requires dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance. Just as one has to pay a price to acquire something valuable, Jihad demands a similar commitment and effort. However, the rewards of Paradise are unimaginable, and the struggle in the path of Allah is the means to attain them.

The Hadith further states that the one who struggles against their own self will acquire Paradise. This highlights the internal struggle against one's desires, temptations, and weaknesses. It is a battle to overcome one's ego, to purify the soul, and to align oneself with the commandments of Allah. This internal Jihad is crucial for personal growth and spiritual development.

The phrase

and this is the greatest reward of Allah for the one who is cognizant of it

emphasizes the immense value and significance of self-struggle. Those who are aware of the importance of self-improvement and strive to rectify their shortcomings will be rewarded by Allah in the most generous manner. This reward is not limited to Paradise alone but encompasses the blessings, mercy, and closeness to Allah that one attains in this world and the hereafter.

To understand the deeper meaning and implications of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance and support. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has provided us with numerous verses that shed light on the concept of Jihad and its connection to Paradise.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says,

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. Allah named you

Muslims(Quran 22:78)

before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to Allah. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving for Allah and engaging in Jihad. It assures us that Allah does not burden us beyond our capabilities and that the path of Islam is one of ease. It also highlights the role of the Prophet (ﷺ) as a witness and the responsibility of Muslims to bear witness to the truth.

In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah says, (Quran 22:39-40)

Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought because they were wronged, and indeed Allah is capable of granting them victory. Those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, 'Our Lord is Allah.' And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.

These verses highlight the defensive aspect of Jihad, where Muslims are permitted to fight in self-defense against those who oppress them. It emphasizes the importance of protecting places of worship and the freedom to worship Allah. The reward for those who support Allah's cause and strive in His path is the support and victory from Allah Himself.

These Quranic verses, along with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), emphasize the significance of Jihad and its connection to Paradise. Jihad is not limited to physical warfare but encompasses all forms of struggle in the path of Allah. It includes striving for personal growth, seeking knowledge, promoting justice, and defending the truth.

The Hadith reminds us that the struggle against our own selves is the most challenging yet rewarding form of Jihad. By overcoming our weaknesses, purifying our intentions, and aligning ourselves with the teachings of Islam, we can attain the ultimate reward of Paradise. This reward is not only limited to the hereafter but also includes the blessings and closeness to Allah that we experience in this world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to engage in Jihad in all its forms and bless us with the reward of Paradise. May we strive against our own selves and continuously seek self-improvement, guided by the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).