Hadith #10408

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Oppose your [carnal] soul and you will become upright, mingle with scholars and you will learn.

This enlightening saying holds great wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (khalif) "خالِفْ", which means to oppose or contradict. It refers to the act of going against the desires and inclinations of our lower selves, our carnal souls. The second significant word is (tastaqim) "تَسْتَقِمْ", which means to become upright or to be on the straight path. It signifies the state of attaining righteousness and adhering to the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Shams (91:7-9),

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.

These verses highlight the struggle within our souls between good and evil. By opposing our carnal desires and striving for righteousness, we purify our souls and attain success in the sight of Allah.

The second part of the Hadith emphasizes the importance of mingling with scholars in order to acquire knowledge. The word (khalit) "خالِطِ" means to mix or associate with. Scholars possess deep knowledge and understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By engaging with them, we gain insights into the true essence of Islam and acquire wisdom that guides us on the right path.

The Quran also emphasizes the significance of seeking knowledge and learning from those who are knowledgeable. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It encourages us to seek knowledge from those who are learned in order to gain a deeper understanding of our religion.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries profound implications for our spiritual growth and development. By opposing our carnal desires and striving for righteousness, we purify our souls and align ourselves with the straight path. This requires self-discipline, self-reflection, and constant self-improvement. It entails resisting temptations, controlling our desires, and seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Furthermore, the Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and associating with scholars. Scholars possess a deep understanding of the Quran and the teachings of Islam. By engaging with them, we gain insights into the true essence of our religion and acquire wisdom that helps us navigate the complexities of life. This association with scholars fosters intellectual growth, spiritual enlightenment, and a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to oppose their carnal souls and strive for righteousness. It urges us to seek knowledge and associate with scholars to deepen our understanding of Islam. By doing so, we purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and align ourselves with the straight path. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives and attain success in this world and the Hereafter.