Ego

The disciplining of the self is commanded in the Holy Qur'an and exemplified in the practice of our Prophet (peace be upon him). Disciplining the self means striving to purify a person from evil traits, prepare them for their ultimate destination, and bring them to a state in which they can be led there when told, “Return to Me!” “He who purifies and cleanses his self has attained prosperity and salvation. But he who defiles and covers it has incurred loss.” (Ash-Shams 9-10) “Whoever believes and does righteous deeds, and who purifies his self, for them there will be no fear, nor will they grieve.” (Al-An'am 48) “That Day, every self will find before it what it has earned as deeds of righteousness and evil.” (Ali Imran 30) While Allah calls the self that commands evil and desires it “nafs al-ammara” (Yusuf 53), He also calls the self that sees its own shortcomings and repents by blaming itself “nafs al-lawwama” (Al-Qiyamah 2). He also calls the self that obeys Allah's commands, avoids what is forbidden, and turns toward goodness through righteous deeds “nafs al-mutma'inna” (Al-Fajr 27). All three are the self, and when you discipline the self, reveal its faults, and guide it toward goodness, it becomes the state of nafs al-mutma'inna—the self that Allah is pleased with and that receives the address: “Enter My Paradise!” (Al-Fajr 27-30). The work you hold in your hands will serve as a guide for you on the right path you must follow regarding “THE SELF”...