O soul, why do you keep succumbing to your scheming nafs?
Why is it that every time you resolve to turn away, you return so swiftly, forgetting every promise so soon?
Is the knowledge that nobody is interested not sufficient reason to shun these foolish designs?
But why limit yourself with such ignominious intentions? Leave it for the sake of your Lord alone. Intentions made pure and sincere.
“He is indeed successful who purifies it. And he is indeed a failure who neglects it.” This the foundational teaching of your deen!
Leave these foolish plots and plans. Don’t revive them all over again, convincing yourself once more that there is good in them.
You know your own self! You know better than anyone the truth. Recall that morning of humbled prayer in Ramadan, when you resolved once more to purify your heart.
Return to that moment. Be sincere and true. Recall every supplication and tear of repentance. How quickly and easily you forget, following every good deed with bad.
Leave all this nonsense. Strive with a good striving against these pitiful demands of your lower self. Rise above it.
If you can’t do that for the good of your soul, at least do it in recognition that nobody is the least interested in anything you might put forth. Let your incapacity be your biggest asset.
O soul, won’t you now reform?
Last modified: 25 April 2024
