Written by: Jawairia Saeed
✿ The Allure of the World and the Rebellion of the Nafs
The world, with its dazzling colors, captivating sights, and pleasures, constantly captures our attention. I, too, remain engrossed in trying to fill my soul with worldly delights — yet these desires never seem to cease.
❀ The Rebellious Nature of the Nafs
My
nafs behaves like a stubborn child — angry when its demands are unmet, and unwilling to accept reason. This child lives entirely in the present moment and perceives its desires as the highest truth.
❀ The Unending Craving for Desires
Each fulfilled desire soon becomes boring to the
nafs, giving rise to yet another emptiness — a void that refuses to be filled.
❀ The Mirage of Worldly Pleasures
Worldly pleasures and carnal desires never bring true satisfaction. At times, I feel burdened within. When someone suggests that this heaviness stems from indulgence of the
nafs, I grow irritated. I am overly sensitive about myself and tend to avoid facing my flaws.
❀ Even Praise Fails to Satisfy
Even the admiration and praises of the world cannot fill the void within me, for I avoid confronting the unpleasant truth about myself in the mirror of the soul.
❀ The Quest for Peace
The simplicity and reality of the universe call out to me — to that quiet place where the message of spiritual peace and self-restraint is echoed.
❀ Liberation from the Demands of the Nafs
The Owner of that peaceful realm tells me: control the rebellious desires of your
nafs. When it becomes unruly, ignore it. Take a break from the burdensome dance of worldly pleasures and sit quietly at the door of serenity.
❀ The Peace of Sacrifice
Compare worldly pleasures to the contentment of sacrifice. Even a drop of spiritual tranquility can fill the soul with overwhelming joy.
❀ The Inner Conflict
On one side, the wise call of that simple haven draws me, and on the other, the seductive dance of the world, which burdens the
nafs, tempts me.
✿ A Moment of Decision
I find myself torn — should I remain ensnared in the enticements of this world, or take a step toward simplicity and spiritual peace?
