Passions - Muhammad al-Munajjid - Al-Hadîth editions

Passions represent the inclinations of the soul and the ego. They constitute a very strong obstacle to the spiritual journey undertaken by the servant towards the knowledge and pleasure of his Lord. To follow the passions is to let the soul dictate what it desires. However, Allah commands us not to be dominated by our passions, but on the contrary to dominate them and direct them towards goodness and piety. This struggle against oneself, this personal jihad, is a long-term battle waged against an omnipresent enemy. Speaking of the soul, God tells us: "He who purifies it has indeed succeeded. And he who corrupts it has indeed lost."