Hadith #2188

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the qualities of a judicious person, one who possesses self-restraint and control over their desires. Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding.

The first important word in this Hadith is (al-hazimah) "الحازِمَ", which refers to the judicious person. This individual possesses the ability to exercise self-control and restraint. They are not swayed by their desires or impulses, but rather, they have the strength to govern their actions and thoughts.

The next word is (qayyada) "قَيَّدَ", which means to restrain or restrict. The judicious person restrains their lower self, their base desires, by subjecting it to accountability. They hold themselves accountable for their actions and constantly evaluate their behavior in light of their moral and ethical values.

The word (muhasabah) "مُحاسَبَةِ" refers to taking oneself to account. It involves introspection, self-reflection, and self-criticism. By engaging in muhasabah, the judicious person examines their intentions, actions, and the consequences of their choices. They strive to align their behavior with the teachings of Islam and correct any shortcomings.

The next word is (malakah) "مَلَكَها", which means to control or possess mastery over something. In this context, it refers to the judicious person's ability to control their lower self by overcoming its desires and impulses. They do not let their emotions dictate their actions, but rather, they exercise control over their anger, lust, and other base instincts.

The word (al-mughadhabah) "المُغاضَبَةِ" is used to describe how the judicious person controls their lower self. It can be translated as rage or anger. This does not mean that the person is constantly angry, but rather, they channel their anger in a constructive manner. They harness their anger to overcome their lower self and its temptations.

The final word in this Hadith is (qatalaha) "قَتَلَها", which means to kill or annihilate. Here, it refers to the judicious person's fight against their lower self. They engage in a constant struggle, known as jihad, to overcome their base desires and purify their soul. By fighting against their lower self, they strive to eliminate its negative influence and cultivate virtuous qualities.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and self-control in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 3:133-134)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous. 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.

This verse highlights the qualities of the judicious person mentioned in the Hadith. They restrain their anger, forgive others, and spend in the cause of Allah. By controlling their emotions and desires, they earn the love and pleasure of Allah.

Another verse that aligns with the teachings of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah. Allah says, (Quran 29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving and struggling in the path of Allah. The judicious person, as described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), engages in the constant struggle against their lower self to attain closeness to Allah.

The consequences of embodying the qualities mentioned in this Hadith are profound. By restraining their lower self, controlling their desires, and fighting against their base instincts, the judicious person achieves spiritual growth and purification. They become individuals who are not driven by their whims and desires, but rather, they are guided by their intellect and conscience. They are able to make sound decisions and act in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Moreover, the judicious person becomes a source of inspiration and guidance for others. Their self-discipline and self-control serve as a shining example for the Muslim community. They are able to resist temptations and avoid sinful behavior, thereby upholding the principles of Islam and promoting righteousness.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities of a judicious person who exercises self-restraint, controls their desires, and fights against their lower self. By taking oneself to account, channeling anger constructively, and engaging in the struggle against base instincts, one can attain spiritual growth and become a source of inspiration for others. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to embody these qualities and strive for excellence in our journey towards Him.