Hadith #1320

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 righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights four important actions that a believer should strive to achieve. Let us delve into the exegesis of this thought-provoking saying, exploring the meanings of the key words and their implications in light of the Quran.

The first action mentioned is "enlivening the intellect" or "أحْيا عَقْلَهُ" in Arabic. The word "عَقْلَهُ" refers to the intellect or rational faculty of a person. It encompasses the ability to reason, understand, and make sound judgments. In the context of this Hadith, enlivening the intellect implies nurturing and developing one's intellectual capabilities, seeking knowledge, and using reason to discern between right and wrong.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of intellect in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:43), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.

This verse highlights the significance of knowledge and understanding, which are products of an enlivened intellect.

The second action mentioned is "killing lust" or "أماتَ شَهْوَتَهُ". The word "شَهْوَتَهُ" refers to desires, particularly those that are base and carnal. Killing lust implies restraining and subduing one's desires, especially those that lead to sinful and immoral behavior. It involves self-discipline and self-control.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the need to control our desires. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of controlling our tongues and avoiding negative assumptions, which are manifestations of unchecked desires.

The third action mentioned is "obeying the Lord" or "أطاعَ رَبَّهُ". This refers to complete submission and obedience to the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It involves adhering to the teachings of Islam, following the Quran and the Sunnah, and striving to please Allah in all aspects of life.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obeying Allah. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse urges believers to submit fully to the guidance of Allah and warns against following the temptations of Satan.

The fourth action mentioned is "disobeying the lower-self" or "عَصَى نَفْسَهُ". The term "نَفْسَهُ" refers to the lower-self or the ego, which is inclined towards worldly desires and selfishness. Disobeying the lower-self implies resisting its temptations and inclinations, and instead, prioritizing the commands of Allah.

The Quran repeatedly warns against following the desires of the lower-self. In Surah Yusuf (12:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse acknowledges the innate inclination of the lower-self towards evil and highlights the need for seeking Allah's mercy to overcome it.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to strive for spiritual growth and self-improvement. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing the intellect, controlling desires, obeying Allah, and resisting the temptations of the lower-self. By enlivening our intellects, killing our base desires, obeying Allah, and disobeying our lower-selves, we can attain a higher level of spirituality and draw closer to our Creator. May Allah grant us the ability to embody these teachings and strive towards becoming better Muslims.