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The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) states that as long as a person is alive, he is [continuously] engaged in a constant battle, a struggle with the self [ego]; this inner jihad is a religious duty that demands the preservation of spiritual means and weapons, such as willpower and piety. The human soul possesses multiple faculties that may sometimes go conflict one another, such as lust and anger, which reason and intellect must always keep them under control.
In the struggle with the self [ego; the lower aspects and levels of the human soul], a person is well equipped with the sword of reason, necessitating to conquer opposing faculties like anger, lust, aspiration desire [through violating others’ rights], and greed for the wealth and rights of others. Within each individual lies tendencies such as egocentricity, which must be continuously confronted; we have been commanded:
«جَاهِدُوا أَهْوَاءَكُمْ كَمَا تُجَاهِدُونَ أَعْدَاءَكُمْ...»
“Struggle against your whims just as you struggle against your [external] enemies.”...
Imam Ali, peace be upon him, expresses in Wisdom 148 and 149:
«الْمَرْءُ مَخْبُوءٌ تَحْتَ لِسَانِهِ»؛
“Man is concealed beneath his tongue”; meaning that a person's character is hidden beneath his tongue and revealed through his words. He advises:
«لَا تَكُنْ مِمَّنْ یرْجُو الْآخِرَةَ بِغَیرِ عَمَلٍ»
“Do not be of those who hope for the Hereafter without [right] deeds”: A person who hopes for the Hereafter should not merely wish without effort. He should speak in this world like ascetics and act like devoted lovers... .
Many people mistake their desires for hope, but these two concepts are fundamentally different. It is essential to understand the distinction between them; confusing one for the other can lead to misdirection. Hope stems from effort and preparation, while a desire is an unfounded wish. We must be careful not to immerse ourselves in wishes instead of fostering genuine hope.
Having certainty resembles wielding a sharp sword. If someone succumbs to doubt and uncertainty while he possesses certainty, he has made a significant error.
The words of God, the Prophet, and the Pure and Infallible Household of the Prophet (peace be upon them) are of absolute and unwavering certainty, while the statements and promises of others are based solely on conjecture and doubt. Thus, no one should be defeated while holding onto certainty!
Grand Ayatollah Javadi Amoli
Weekly Lesson on Ethics
Date: 28/09/1403