Hadith #10605

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) emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the truly enviable person is the one who constantly strives to purify their soul and does not neglect to regularly hold themselves accountable, demand answers from their own self, and struggle against their own desires and weaknesses.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (maghbūṭ) "مَغْبُوطُ" refers to someone who is enviable or fortunate. It implies that this person possesses qualities or engages in actions that are worthy of admiration and emulation. The term (himmatuhu) "هِمَّتُهُ" refers to one's endeavor or aspiration, indicating the level of commitment and dedication one has towards a particular goal or objective. The word (nafsahu) "نَفْسَهُ" refers to one's own soul or self, representing the innermost essence of a person.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Shams (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].

These verses highlight the inherent nature of the soul, which possesses both the potential for righteousness and wickedness. It is through self-reflection and self-accountability that one can discern between these two paths and strive towards purification. The one who succeeds in purifying their soul is truly fortunate, as they have aligned themselves with the divine purpose of their creation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-accountability and self-reflection. Every individual is responsible for their own actions and will be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgment. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to regularly assess their deeds and intentions, ensuring that they are in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the need for struggle against one's own self. This struggle refers to the constant battle against one's desires, weaknesses, and temptations. It requires discipline, self-control, and perseverance. The Quran affirms this concept in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286):

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse reminds us that while the struggle against our own selves may be challenging, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not burden us with more than we can handle. It is through this struggle that we can grow spiritually, overcome our shortcomings, and attain higher levels of piety.

The consequences of neglecting self-reflection and self-accountability are grave. Without actively striving to purify our souls, we risk falling into the traps of our own desires and ego. This can lead to spiritual stagnation, moral decay, and distance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, by regularly holding ourselves accountable, demanding answers from our own selves, and struggling against our own weaknesses, we can attain spiritual growth, inner peace, and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This self-reflection allows us to identify our flaws, seek forgiveness, and strive for self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to engage in self-reflection, self-accountability, and self-improvement. By purifying our souls, we align ourselves with the divine purpose of our creation and strive towards righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to continuously strive for self-purification and may He bless us with success in this world and the Hereafter.