Disciplining the Soul By Ibn al-Jawzi

Know that all the facets of mankind's disposition are for their benefit, either directly, such as the desire for food, or indirectly, by preventing harm, such as the capacity for anger. However, when these natural impulses are not moderated, they culminate in harm. If the desire for food is excessive, it leads to gluttony.

Similarly, when anger is uncontrolled, it leads to transgression. The aim should be to achieve equilibrium of the soul, to allow the faithful to approach God without distraction.

The author addresses many spiritual diseases, such as:

• Envy
• Greed
• Uncontrolled lust
• Sexual desire
• Arrogance
• Gluttony (Overeating)
• Anger
• Stinginess
• Extravagance
• Vanity & attachment to this world.

He also discusses the qualities that the seeker of God must acquire - such as love, self-discipline, humility, self-criticism, improvement of character, patience, and truthfulness. In a simple yet effective way, he shows the wayfarers how to cure their spiritual diseases and acquire the necessary qualities for their journey to Allah. This masterpiece has been divided into thirty chapters to facilitate the reader's comprehension. Important points are highlighted using anecdotes from the early righteous predecessors. The author, Ibn al-Jawzi (d. 597 AH), was an erudite scholar of the Hanbali madhab.