It is a reality of our time, of our lives, that every person we meet carries with them a burden of some sort. Often that burden stems from something within ourselves, perhaps a habit, perhaps a quality. Often it may be related to our nafs, commonly referred to as the ego or worldly desires.
According to Imam Jafar al-Sadiq, our beloved Prophet (pbuh), when asked what the major jihad was, replied, “The jihad of the self (struggle against self).”
This major struggle in the Islamic tradition is considered to be far more difficult than a fight in a battlefield; it is a struggle with oneself, against our own desires or notions of comfort. It’s a process that asks us to reflect on our current condition and, slowly but surely, work to root out any ideas or desires that have been leading us towards actions that are displeasing to our Creator.
“By the soul and (by) Him who made it perfect, and then inspired it to understand what is wrong and what is right for it. Truly is successful the one who purifies (his soul).” [Holy Qur'an, 91: 7-9)]
We are told in the Qur’an that the successful among us in the eyes of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala will include those who diligently practice the struggle against their nafs. One of our goals throughout the span of our lives should be to work towards becoming better Muslims, and by default, better individuals with high morals and good values. Through reflection, acknowledgment, and looking to the model of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), we can make it a habit to work on ourselves and improve our behavior and character. Let’s start small, working on one thing at a time. But let’s be consistent in our efforts, for Allah (swt) loves acts of consistency, and attempt to strengthen our bond with our Rab and the Prophet (pbuh) through working on ourselves.
We should also become partners with one another in this common mission. If a sister (or a brother) reaches out to you about something within herself that she is struggling with, respond with compassion, as opposed to criticism. If you note something within your sister (or brother) that troubles you, make sincere dua for her. Our dua is one of our greatest weapons. Let’s claim it as such and use it as a means for empowering ourselves and our brothers and sisters.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is reported to have said, “The supplication of a Muslim for his brother in his absence will certainly be answered. Every time he makes a supplication for good for his brother, the angel appointed for this particular task says: ‘Ameen! May it be for you, too.’” [Muslim]
According to Imam Jafar al-Sadiq, our beloved Prophet (pbuh), when asked what the major jihad was, replied, “The jihad of the self (struggle against self).”
This major struggle in the Islamic tradition is considered to be far more difficult than a fight in a battlefield; it is a struggle with oneself, against our own desires or notions of comfort. It’s a process that asks us to reflect on our current condition and, slowly but surely, work to root out any ideas or desires that have been leading us towards actions that are displeasing to our Creator.
“By the soul and (by) Him who made it perfect, and then inspired it to understand what is wrong and what is right for it. Truly is successful the one who purifies (his soul).” [Holy Qur'an, 91: 7-9)]
We are told in the Qur’an that the successful among us in the eyes of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala will include those who diligently practice the struggle against their nafs. One of our goals throughout the span of our lives should be to work towards becoming better Muslims, and by default, better individuals with high morals and good values. Through reflection, acknowledgment, and looking to the model of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), we can make it a habit to work on ourselves and improve our behavior and character. Let’s start small, working on one thing at a time. But let’s be consistent in our efforts, for Allah (swt) loves acts of consistency, and attempt to strengthen our bond with our Rab and the Prophet (pbuh) through working on ourselves.
We should also become partners with one another in this common mission. If a sister (or a brother) reaches out to you about something within herself that she is struggling with, respond with compassion, as opposed to criticism. If you note something within your sister (or brother) that troubles you, make sincere dua for her. Our dua is one of our greatest weapons. Let’s claim it as such and use it as a means for empowering ourselves and our brothers and sisters.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is reported to have said, “The supplication of a Muslim for his brother in his absence will certainly be answered. Every time he makes a supplication for good for his brother, the angel appointed for this particular task says: ‘Ameen! May it be for you, too.’” [Muslim]