The Pursuit of Self Purification Correcting Disciplining and Nurturing The Soul Towards The State of Excellence By Imam Abu Bakr Al-Ajurri

To the righteous it will be said: “O self at rest and at peace, return to your Lord, well-pleasing and well-pleased! Enter among My slaves! Enter My Garden! [Al-Fajr (89):28-30]

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The greatest Jihad is the struggle against your lower self and desires for the sake of Allah.” [Daylami # 127, Sahih, Sh. Albani]

Self-Purification is one of the most important duties upon every Muslim. Correcting, disciplining, and nurturing the soul towards goodness is a struggle for every human being on a daily basis, from the most mundane things to those that render the deeds of a person worthless.

For this reason, it is vital that we look and rectify ourselves. The soul naturally craves fame, wealth, fleeting pleasures, and temptations of this world. If left uncontrolled, the carnal-self leans and develops into a soul that is pursuing only after its own pleasures and desires, not recognising the good nor the bad – but rather what it craves for. It starts to harbour and pursue qualities such as ego, pride, anger, lust, and passion, and craves instant gratification. All of which lead to humiliation and disgrace in this life and the Hereafter, ultimately to the ruin of the soul.