The Definition and Allure of Caprice and Desire
Every kind of fleeting, selfish, and harmful wish that is inherent in human nature and seeks to act contrary to reason, logic, and divine commands is called "heva ve heves"—hawā wa hawas (caprice and desire). This is the weapon most frequently used by Satan and the one that most quickly deceives the nafs (the lower self). Geylânî Hazretleri (ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī, may Allah sanctify his secret) shakes people to warn them: "O lover of desire, abandon heedlessness! Overcome your natural inclinations. Do not despair of Allah's help," 24. Caprice and desire appear to a person from the outside as extremely adorned, pleasurable, and attractive. The unlawful, short-term gains, and the desire for fame and renown taste as sweet as honey to the nafs (the lower self); yet, once swallowed, it is a deadly poison that poisons the qalb (the heart) and paralyzes the spiritual life.
Acting Not with Emotions, but with Knowledge and Reason
A person who chases after his caprice has set aside his reason and will, and has become a slave to his emotions. "O congregation! Do not fall into evil desires. Use your reason and logic. Do not act with feeling and caprice; whoever does so will be left stranded." The religion of Islam calls people to rational thinking and to live in the light of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. A person who makes decisions according to his momentary anger, lust, or fleeting desires will inevitably be disappointed. The true muʾmin (believer) first weighs the desires that arise from within on the scales of Islam; if they are in accordance with the sharia (the sacred law) and proper etiquette, he acts upon them; if not, he immediately rejects and suppresses that desire.
Deliverance from Caprice and Divine Freedom
One who idolizes his caprice and does only what his soul desires thinks he is free, but in reality, he is living the heaviest bondage. True freedom is breaking the chains of the nafs (the lower self) and being a servant only to Allah. "This act, which is performed to destroy your caprice and weaken your nafs (the lower self), is the state of riyāḍa (spiritual discipline)... If you do these, you will find everything you desire. And great honor and generosity will be bestowed upon you," 27. A qalb (the heart) that calms the winds of caprice and desire attains tranquility like the sea. Worldly losses no longer sadden him, nor do false joys make him arrogant. The servant who is freed from the bondage of the nafs (the lower self) enters directly under the protection of his Lord and receives the certificate of eternal salvation.