Hadith #10500

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ لَمْ يَسُسْ نَفْسَهُ أضاعَها۔

This can be translated as,

One who does not govern [and train] his own soul, destroys it.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (yassus) "يَسُسْ" in this Hadith is of great significance. It comes from the root word (sassa) "سَسَّ", which means to touch, feel, or handle. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the act of governing, training, and disciplining oneself. It implies the need for self-control, self-awareness, and self-improvement. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and self-development in order to protect and preserve one's soul.

To further understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56),

Indeed, you [O Muhammad] do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the fact that guidance ultimately comes from Allah, but it is our responsibility to seek it and strive for it. We must actively govern and train our souls to align with the guidance of Allah.

In Surah Al-Shams (91:7-10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

These verses emphasize the importance of self-awareness and self-purification. We are endowed with a soul that has the capacity for both righteousness and wickedness. It is our duty to govern and train our souls to choose righteousness over wickedness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that if we neglect the task of governing and training our souls, we are essentially destroying ourselves. Without self-discipline, our souls become susceptible to the temptations and vices of this world. We become slaves to our desires and lose sight of our true purpose in life. By neglecting self-improvement, we risk losing our connection with Allah and jeopardize our spiritual well-being.

The consequences of neglecting self-governance are far-reaching. We may find ourselves engaged in sinful acts, harming ourselves and others. Our relationships may suffer, and our moral compass may become distorted. On the other hand, if we actively engage in self-discipline and self-improvement, we can attain spiritual growth, inner peace, and a stronger connection with Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is urging us to reflect upon our own souls and take responsibility for their well-being. He is reminding us that self-governance is not an option but a necessity for every Muslim. By governing and training our souls, we can strive towards righteousness, fulfill our purpose in life, and ultimately attain success in this world and the Hereafter.

Let us heed the profound advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and embark on a journey of self-discipline and self-improvement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to govern our souls and protect them from destruction. May we strive to purify our souls and align them with the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.