By Aboo Tasneem Daawood Adeeb

Review:

[from the famous book, 'ad-daa wad-dawaa' of Ibnul-Qayyim (rahimahullaah)]

Know that reflective thoughts are not themselves harmful; rather what becomes harmful are constant (obsessive) ponderings. A thought about something is like a passer-by, if you do not call him, he will pass you by and go upon his way. However, if you call him, he will dupe and deceive you by his speech, and this is the easiest thing to do for the nafs that is filled with falsehood. However, it is the most difficult thing to bear for the nafs that is contended.

Allaah has placed in all of mankind two kinds of nafs: Nafs Amaarah (the soul that commands evil), and  Nafs Mutma’innah (the soul that is content). They always oppose each other, so what is sweet for one is bitter for the other. There is nothing more difficult for the soul that commands evil than to go against its desires by working for Allaah’s pleasure, however, this is the most beneficial thing for it. Likewise, there is nothing more difficult for the soul that is content    than to work for other than the pleasure of Allaah. Every person has both a Nafs Mutma’innah and a Nafs Amaarah. Additionally, there is an angel on the right side (of every person) and it works in conjunction with the Nafs Mutma’innah. Likewise, on the left side (of every person), there is a Shaytaan that works in conjunction with the Nafs Amaarah, and there is a constant, ongoing struggle between the two and it does not cease until this person’s appointed time in this life ceases. Falsehood always sides with the Shaytaan and the Nafs Amaarah, whereas the truth always sides with the angels and the Nafs Mutma’innah, and the victor alternates. However, victory comes with patience and whoever remains patient and has taqwaa (fear and consciousness) of Allaah, then he will be granted the upperhand in this life and in the next. This is the law of Allaah that never changes.