Introspection concerning the internal (hidden) adversary
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Allah, The Most High, says:
وَٱلَّذِينَ جَـٰهَدُواْ فِينَا لَنَہۡدِيَنَّہُمۡ سُبُلَنَاۚ
As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allah’s Religion – Islamic Monotheism)] [29:69]
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
“Junaid, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: ‘Those who strive against their (vain) desires through repentance, Allah will guide them to the paths of sincerity. It is not possible to strive against the enemy in the open, except for the one who strives against these enemies inwardly. Thus, whoever is aided against them, he will be victorious against his enemy and whoever is made to be overcome by them, his enemy will be made victorious over him'”. [1]
Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon, said:
Beware that (vain) desires urges an individuals to seek immediate gratification without contemplating its evil repercussions – urges one towards fleeting pleasures, despite the fact that it is a cause of pain and harm in this life and an obstruction to pleasure in the afterlife. In contrast, a sensible individual refrains from indulging in pleasures that ultimately yield pain and desires that lead to regret. This serves as a sufficient commendation of what a sound mind dictates and a rebuke against (vain) desires.
Beware that desires can dominate an individual across various domains of study, exits them them from the boundaries of sound reasoning and leading them into behaviour that resemble foolishness. It may infiltrate the realm of knowledge, causing a person to contradict what sound knowledge commands, or it may enter into Zuhd, resulting in a tendency towards Riyaa (showoff, ostentation).
A sensible individual should know that those who succumb to base desires ultimately find themselves in a condition where enjoyment eludes them. Simultaneously, they become incapable of relinquishing these desires, as they begin to perceive them as a necessity of life. Consequently, one observes that individuals struggling with alcoholism and sexual addiction derive minimal satisfaction from their pursuits, yet they find themselves ensnared in a dangerous cycle that compels them to repeatedly engage in these behaviours. However, when one attains clarity of vision and the allure of these base desires diminishes, it becomes evident that they have subjected themselves to a form of destruction that contradicts their well-being—resulting in sorrow and suffering rather than joy in their quest for pleasure. In this regard, they resemble an animal ensnared in a trap, having neither attained the bait that lured them nor the ability to escape.
One should contemplate the fact that humans were not created (solely) to satisfy their desires; instead, they have been endowed with (the capacity for sound knowledge, derived from divine revelation and untainted perception), to consider the repercussions of their actions and to engage in virtuous conduct for the sake of the Afterlife. An animal derives pleasure from eating, drinking, and mating to a greater extent than humans, yet they lead lives that lack reflection and awareness. Consequently, it is driven by its desires, remaining oblivious to the consequences of its actions.
One should reflect on the repercussions of (vain) desires, as many individuals are stripped of their virtues and descend into a state of moral decay as a result. Consider the various types of food that can lead to illness stemming from (unchecked) cravings. Furthermore, how many errors tarnish a person’s honour, resulting in a evil reputation and the burden of guilt from transgressions driven by (vain) desires, yet the individual remains fixated solely on those desires? The most fitting analogy for such a person is that of someone in a tannery; they remain oblivious to the unpleasant odour until they leave, at which point they become acutely aware of where they were.
A sensible individual ought to consider the disgrace that may arise from (vain) desires and the detrimental effects stemming from such pleasures, for they will realise that, in many instances, these consequences are directly linked to those desires and pleasures.
One should reflect on (the presence of) others, ponder and get a hint the potential (evil) outcomes. This reflection will reveal the culpability associated with actions that one might be guilty of. One should contemplate those pleasures, as (sound) reasoning will make them realises that they are merely (fleeting) desires and a situation of blindness. One should contemplate the honour a person receives due to being given the upper hand versus the degradation associated with yielding to one’s desires. The one who overcomes their (vain) desires will strengthen their honour, while the one who succumbs to their desires will not find except humiliation and subjugation in the soul. One should contemplate the benefits of resisting (base) desires, including the respect garnered in this life, the preservation of one’s soul and honour, as well as the rewards that await in the hereafter. [2]
[1] An Excerpt from “Al-Fawa’id” page 97
[2] An Excerpt from “Dham Al-Hawa 36-38