Man is a marvel possessing two lives and two worlds within
one existence; worldly existence associated with his body and the other is soul
belonging to the invisible and celestial world which consists of several levels
and grades. Each one of them is specified with hosts of guardians. The host
related with the divine and intellectual powers attracts him towards the
sublime and heavenly spheres and summons him to virtue and goodness. The other
host is the satanic one who attracts him towards darkness and shame and invites
him to acts of villainy and destruction.
There is always a state of conflict and strife between these
two forces, and human existence is the battle ground of these two bands. When
the divine forces of good are successful, man emerges as a virtuous being and
attains the high status of angels, and is congregated under the category of
prophets, saints and the pious. If the satanic host becomes successful, man
commits sins and vices.
Ears, eyes, tongue, stomach, private parts, hands and
legs are under the control of “self”. Thoughts and imagination are sovereign
over all visible and invisible human faculties. If the faculty of thought resolves
to employ all other faculties in the evil direction, all of them are converted
to satanic forces and the forces of piety, rationality are subjugated. If the
faith and reason control the mind, all other faculties work towards piety and
reason.
At the First Grade, there are five factors responsible
to control and direction of the “Self”:
Contemplation:
Think about our duties to Allah, purpose of our creation, bounties of Allah, be
thankful to Him and seek His forgiveness for your sins.
Will and Resolution: Resolution is the essence of humanity and criterion for human
freedom. You should make resolution to purge life from sins, to perform all
obligatory (Wajib) acts, to compensate for the lost time in sinful acts, and to
behave like a rational and religious person.
Efforts and Struggle (Spiritual): Make efforts to be a man of strong will power
and resolution so that you may not leave this world as a brain-less being not
in the form of human but some animal. The Hereafter is a world where hidden is unveiled
and secrets are exposed. Continued committing of sins converts him into a man
devoid of will power and takes away humanity from him. Hence, desist from
transgression, resolve to return to Allah. Pray to Allah to assist you in your
mission and pray for the intercession of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and
Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).
Self-Examination and Stipulation:
Self-Examination, Contemplation and Self-Conditioning are pre-requisite for a
seeker of truth who is battling with his “Self”. It means binding oneself with
the resolve not to do anything against Allah’s commands. Curse, and drive the
Shaitan away from the depths of your heart and the domain of your mind.
Guarding against Evil: Concentrate on your actions .If at any time
any idea to violate the divine command occurs in your mind, remember that it is
from Shaitan. Hence curse him and seek Allah’s forgiveness and help. Before
going to bed, review your results of the whole day. If you were successful in
your resolve to avoid sins, thank Allah, if there were any shortcomings, pray
to Allah for forgiveness and seek His help.
Remembrance of Allah and His Graces: Remember
the gifts of Allah and thank Him. Greater the self-less generosity the greater
is sense of gratitude. Look around for His Bounties and its importance in your life
both physical and spiritual. The prophets and Books He sent for our guidance.
Consider His Omnipotence, He is everywhere watching us. Consider our shameful
boldness of committing sins in His presence! Have we sought His forgiveness?
Approach Him with utmost humility and with tears in your eyes and seek His help
and no one on earth can help you except Him.
There is a Golden Advice of the Commander of the
Faithful, The Gateway of Knowledge, Imam Ali (a.s.): “Keep your thoughts pure and
clean like the crystal clear drops of rain as the river is made up of drops of
water.”
Condensed
from: “Forty Hadees” by Ayatullah Ruhullah Khomeini (r.a.)
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