Hadith #1855

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and self-control in order to attain spiritual purification and intellectual perfection. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to examine is (جاهِدْ) "jihad", which means to strive or struggle. In this context, it refers to the struggle against one's vain desires or base instincts. The Quran also emphasizes the importance of self-control and self-discipline in various verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185:

And whoever strives only strives for [the benefit of] himself. Indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.

The next word is (شَهْوَةَكَ) "shahwa", which refers to vain desires or lustful inclinations. These desires can lead a person astray and prevent them from attaining spiritual purity. The Quran warns against following one's desires blindly and encourages self-restraint. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Najm, verse 32:

Then do not obey the deniers. They wish that you would soften [in your position], so they would soften [toward you].

The next word is (غَضَبَكَ) "ghadab", which means anger. Anger is a natural emotion, but it can cloud one's judgment and lead to harmful actions. The Quran advises us to control our anger and respond with patience and forgiveness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 134:

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

The word (سُوءَ عادَتِكَ) "su' al-'adat" refers to bad habits or negative behaviors. These habits can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from reaching our full potential. The Quran encourages us to abandon such habits and adopt virtuous ones. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 157:

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

By struggling against our vain desires, overcoming our anger, and resisting our bad habits, we purify our souls and strengthen our intellect. This purification and intellectual growth enable us to make better decisions, understand the deeper meanings of life, and attain closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quran emphasizes the importance of purifying the soul and seeking knowledge. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Shams, verses 8-10:

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.

Finally, the Hadith concludes by stating that by following these teachings, we will attain the complete reward from our Lord. This refers to the spiritual and worldly rewards that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon those who strive to purify themselves and perfect their intellect. The Quran assures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) never wastes the efforts of those who strive in His cause. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Tawbah, verse 105:

And say, 'Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so, will] His Messenger and the believers. And you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you of what you used to do.'

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive against their vain desires, control their anger, and abandon bad habits. By doing so, they will purify their souls, perfect their intellects, and attain the complete reward from their Lord. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to follow these teachings and attain spiritual and intellectual growth.