The Greatest Enemy: The Ego
The most challenging and unending battle (Greater Jihad) that a believer faces in this world is not against external enemies, but against the insidious danger within themselves – the “ego.” Abdülkadir Geylani (q.s.) describes the ego as a spoiled, stubborn, blind enemy that constantly needs discipline. The ego, by its very nature, always desires what is forbidden, comfort, pride, and rebellion against Allah. Hazrat Geylani strongly advises against giving the ego even the slightest concession, saying, “It is a bad slave; it only obeys under duress. Do not show it the whiteness of your teeth,” meaning do not indulge its whims. Smiling at the ego and indulging in its endless desires means placing a chain of servitude around one’s own neck.
The Sword of Tawhid and the Armor of Struggle
To free oneself from the domination of the ego and make it obedient to Divine commands, one needs strong weapons. “Strike your ego with the sword of Tawhid. Wear the armor of success for its reformation. Strive to bring it down with the arrow of struggle.” The sword of Tawhid is engraving in the heart that there is no power, benefit, or provider other than Allah in the universe. When the ego desires a worldly pleasure, it must be prodded with the spear of piety (fear of Allah) and brought into line with the staff of patience. This battle is not a fleeting enthusiasm for a day or two, but an uninterrupted struggle that must continue “day after day, year after year.” Even leaving the ego idle for a moment wastes years of gains.
The Secret to Starving and Thirsting the Ego
The most effective practical way to break the ego’s back is to restrict it from receiving what it desires (even if it is permissible) – this is known as asceticism (Riyazet). “Do not satisfy it, unless you believe that satisfying it will not lead it astray; then let it eat as much as it wants. It must also act accordingly with what it eats.” Overfilling the stomach, succumbing to sleep, and living in luxury turns the ego into a maddened horse. True dervishes and spiritual travelers do not eat, drink, or sleep unless absolutely necessary; they take all bodily nourishment solely with the intention of being able to worship Allah more strongly. Under this strict discipline, the ego weakens and is forced to submit to the command of the heart (soul).
An Obedient Steed: The Station of Mutmainne
As a result of this relentless jihad, the rebellious and spoiled ego is defeated. It surpasses the stage of “Levvame” (self-reproaching) and reaches the station of “Mutmainne” (having attained peace, being satisfied with Allah). Geylani (q.s.) announces this unique victory as follows: “After bringing the ego to this state, you will be able to travel across seas, oceans, and lands on its back.” The ego, transformed into an obedient steed, is no longer a beast that drags the servant to hell but a tamed noble horse that swiftly carries him to the afterlife. Our Lord takes pride in His servants who win the battle with their egos before His angels.