Hadith #10543

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of self-reformation and the consequences of neglecting it. The key words in this Hadith are (set right) "تَدَارَكْ", (reforming it) "إصْلاحِهَا", (becomes worse) "أَعْضَلَ", (his malady) "دَاؤُهُ", (becomes impossible) "أَعْيَى", and (not find) "عَدِمَ".

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Shams (91:9-10),

He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who instills it [with corruption].

This verse emphasizes the importance of purifying the soul, as success or failure depends on the state of one's soul.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Shams (91:7-8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it. And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness.

These verses indicate that Allah has endowed the soul with the ability to distinguish between good and evil. It is our responsibility to reform our souls and align them with righteousness.

When Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that

Whoever does not set right his soul by reforming it,

he is emphasizing the need for self-reflection and self-improvement. It is not enough to simply acknowledge our flaws; we must actively work towards rectifying them. This requires introspection, self-discipline, and a sincere desire for spiritual growth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then warns that neglecting self-reformation leads to the worsening of one's malady. Just as a physical illness left untreated can deteriorate and become more severe, the spiritual malady of a neglected soul can worsen over time. This deterioration can manifest in various negative traits such as arrogance, envy, greed, and a lack of empathy.

The Imam further states that curing this malady becomes impossible. When we neglect our souls and allow negative traits to fester, it becomes increasingly difficult to overcome them. The longer we delay in seeking spiritual healing, the deeper these negative traits become ingrained within us. This can lead to a state of spiritual stagnation and a sense of hopelessness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by stating that one will not find any physician who can treat this malady. This highlights the unique nature of self-reformation. While external guidance and support from knowledgeable individuals can be beneficial, ultimately, the responsibility lies within ourselves to initiate the process of self-improvement. No one else can truly heal our souls if we do not actively participate in the healing process.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize self-reformation and spiritual growth. It highlights the consequences of neglecting this important aspect of our lives and emphasizes the need for continuous introspection and improvement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to set right our souls and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.