How to Strive Against Your Nafs

Shaykh Bali pointed to one verse (ayah) and showed that whoever truly struggles against his own nafs, Allah opens the paths of goodness for him.

How the Scene Unfolds

Some work themselves to the bone for money, some for position, some for fame. This is exactly what jihad means: pouring out strength and effort.

But the verse (ayah) asks for something else: pouring that strength into the path of pleasing Allah.

Many people say: I tried to pray Tahajjud but couldn't; I tried to memorize the Qur'an but couldn't.

Shaykh Bali's answer differs right here, and it is a little harder too.

The Shaykh's Answer

"I couldn't" actually means the amount of striving that was needed was not done, because Allah's promise never fails.

How can you struggle against your nafs over something you don't know? So begin with learning: the five pillars of Islam, then Allah's commands and prohibitions; fulfilling the obligations and staying away from what is forbidden is the first step.

And this striving demands sabr, of three kinds: sabr in obedience, sabr in staying away from sin, and sabr over a painful qadar.

The Evidence: Paths in Return for Striving

وَٱلَّذِينَ جَٰهَدُوا۟ فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمَعَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allāh is with the doers of good. (Surah Al-Ankaboot 29:69 — Saheeh International)Copy

The Shaykh says that "paths" here is in the plural; Allah opens the door of Tahajjud for one person, the door of recitation for another, and the door of sadaqah or istighfar for another. And ma'iyyah is special here: the companionship of help and tawfiq.

What to Do

1. First learn how salah, zakah, fasting and Hajj are performed correctly.
2. Set the obligatory acts right first; voluntary acts are the next step, not the earlier one.
3. Hold on to the three kinds of sabr: in obedience, in staying away from sin, and over a painful qadar.
4. Stop saying "I can't"; one page today, two tomorrow. Don't give up the effort.

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Source: Based on a talk by Shaykh Waheed Abdussalam Bali

Translation and compilation: Raqi Faisal Ahmed Sabit, Al Quran Ruqyah Healing Center