Disciplining The Soul
Or
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 111 | Size: 2 MB
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 it culminates 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, anger,
stinginess, extravagance, vanity and 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 erudiate scholar of the Hanbali madhab.
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