Jihad Bin Nafs: In Islam self-accountability and self-control play a vital role in the formation of pious character. As Muslims, it’s important to learn How to Fight Against Your Desire (Nafs) In Islam. It comprises religious practices and multiple other factors too. Certainly, it’s difficult to have self-control however we can learn and practice to fight against our Nafs.
Allah said:
وَأَمَّا مَنْ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِ وَنَهَى النَّفْسَ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ فَإِنَّ الْجَنَّةَ هِيَ الْمَأْوَىٰ
“As for him who feared to stand before his Lord and he restrained himself from his desires, then Paradise will be his refuge.”
Wrong desire and temptations cause every evil. It can also trap us as human beings and above all, can distract us from the righteous path. Allah through His last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U. H) guides Muslims about everything.
Now we have to follow the guidance of Islam to lead a life according to the will of Allah. undoubtedly, we can be successful in this world and afterworld after living a controlled life. Its important that we understand deeply about Jihad Bin Nafs.
Jihad Bin Nafs And Other Types Of Nafs
There are three types of Nafs according to the teachings of Islam. It’s also known as stages of desire and it’s important to learn how we can control our Nafs. Holy Quran has explained the nafs in two different ways. First, it indicates Nafs as our own self, inner soul, etc.
Second its referrers to a specific part that contains desire, anger, ego, lust, and every other factor which leads us against the teachings Of Islam. The three types of Nafs are the following.
- Nafs-e-ammara
- Nafs-e-lawwama
- nafs-e-mutmainna
Jihad Bin Nafs: How To Fight Against Nafs?
There are two types of powers in every human being. We know one power as spiritual power from Allah which follows the righteous path. Second, satanic power which also insists human to follow the prohibited path of bad people for self-pleasure.
In a materialistic world, it’s difficult to follow the religion as its required patience, self-control, and a strictly disciplined life with no materialistic pleasure.
“Abu Na’eem reported: Ibrahim ibn Adham, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
أَشَدُّ الْجِهَادِ جِهَادُ الْهَوَى مَنْ مَنَعَ نَفْسَهُ هَوَاهَا فَقَدِ اسْتَرَاحَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَبَلَائِهَا وَكَانَ مَحْفُوظًا وَمُعَافًى مِنْ أَذَاهَا
The most difficult jihad is the struggle against desire. Whoever can prevent himself from his desires will be relieved from the world and its trials, and he will be protected and safe from its harms”
Religious Education / Awareness
As Muslims, we are obliged to follow the teachings of the Holy Quran. Besides, it will only be possible when we have the right religious knowledge and awareness. Holy Quran and the Sunnah are the two important factors for learning Islam.
Most importantly, as Muslims, it’s also important to believe in all main religious concepts of Islam. Besides, Muslims believe in the afterlife and they lead a life according to the teachings of Islam.
Unquestionably, you will only discontinue yourself from unlawful acts when you have awareness and the right knowledge. In addition, you must realize what will be the punishment of the bad deeds and also the rewards of following the righteous path. Certainly, a strong reason is required to maintain your self-control.
Self Accountability
After education, most importantly you need strong self-accountability. It’s highly important to balance your life according to the teachings of Islam. It assists you in understanding your ultimate goal as a Muslim. Of course, also help you analyze your loopholes. once you have a rational idea about your strength, weaknesses, and abilities you can improve yourself too.
Constant Purification
Self-control is difficult as it required continuous efforts and struggle. First, you need to seek forgiveness regarding your previous sins and wicked deeds. We are as Muslims must need constant purification to stay focused on the righteous path.
“Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said,
If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.”
Understanding Goal Of Life
Our goal declares our paths and also defines our actions. Muslims believe in the afterlife and undoubtedly we understand the true value of this temporary life. Certainly, in today’s times, it’s not easy to follow the righteous path however understanding the reality in depth can change our mind and approach too.
First, we need to understand that life is temporary. Second, Allah has sent us for its worship and we must follow the teachings of Islam. Last, we will be an accountable afterlife for every deed.We can start through Jihad Bin Nafs.
Our goal in this world is very clear. Above all, Allah sends us for His worship and that’s why we must focus on the commands of Allah. This life is a temporary place so we should prepare for the afterlife. In addition, we must also not follow the satanic path which is ordered by our Nafs and control or negative temptations and desires too.
Follow Religious Practices
There are five main pillars of Islam. As Muslims, we must follow these five main pillars of Islam. The five pillars of Islam are as follows.
- Faith
- Prayer (Salat)
- Alms (Zakat)
- Fasting (Sawm)
- Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Prayers (Salat)
All these religious practices help us maintain a disciplined life. Most importantly, it assists us in controlling our Nafs and other bad habits and boost our Jihad Bin Nafs. When we follow regular prayers five times a day, we get the following advantages.
- Discipline
- Self-control
- Physical Fitness
- Mental Relaxation
- Attachments To Allah
- Association with religion
- Restrain from bad deeds
Alms (Zakat)
Alms provide control over money. In this world, money leads to evil and bad deeds. Certainly, everybody is greedy until or unless he has control over the money. Zakat provides a sense of control over the money.
It also creates a circulation of money in society. In addition, help others to be an important member of society through financial help.
Fasting (Sawm)
It’s a beautiful religious obligation in which Muslims don’t eat and drink anything for God’s pleasure. In this, Muslims perform religious deeds, perform prayers, recitation, and other religious actions and restrain from all evil deeds too.
Above all, Muslims restrain themselves from every sin throughout the entire month. It works as a refreshing course for Muslims. Ramadan helps us maintain our religious habits once again and provide us the opportunity to control our Nafs.
Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Unquestionably, Muslims are obliged to perform a Hajj in their life. It required a sacrifice of time and money. Above all, Hajj helps in character building. On Hajj every Muslims seek Allah special forgiveness and show commitment to strictly follow the religious obligation for a lifetime.Learn how to perform Hajj rituals step by step.
Makkah and Madina are the holy places of Islam. Allah blessed those who perform hajj with unlimited rewards and above all, clean all their sins like a newborn baby. After Hajj, they can also live a life according to the teachings of the Holy Quran.
Follow The Life Of Our Prophet
Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) practically shows us how to live a perfect life. We must follow the Sunnah and hadees of our Holy Prophet(P.B.U.H) for our guidance. It leads us towards a successful life and above all assist us in controlling our nafs from all bad deeds.
Realize The Value Of Time
Time is the most important but limited asset. We need to spend our time on the right path. Above all, we are also accountable for our time and that’s why it’s important to understand its value so we can fully use our time perfectly.
Social Company
Most importantly, our Social company can also help us stay focus too. In addition, make sure we also get attached to pious persons and keep an excellent company. In this way, we can save ourselves from evil deeds and actions.
Perform Dua For Allah’s Help
Last, it’s also important to seek Allah’s help and forgiveness regularly. We can also track and control our desire and Nafs too with the help of Allah. We should try our level best and focus on rewards from Almighty Allah. We must focus on Jihad Bin Nafs to be a perfect Muslim.
