Struggling with the Desires of the Nafs (Ego)
The depth of Islamic morality and the purity of the heart are two indispensable elements in a person’s spiritual journey. A story drawn from the works of Imam Ghazali strikingly illustrates how challenging it can be to struggle with the desires of the nafs (ego). When a servant is unable to suppress the desire felt while praying, he sees his body darken and only manages to recover through prolonged purification. This serves as a reminder of the need to be vigilant against the tricks of the nafs; for the heart darkens with sins and loses spiritual purity.
The Effect of Sin on the Heart and The Perfect Human (al-Kamil)
Ghazali presents a concrete expression of spiritual corruption with his comparison of the darkening of a person’s face who commits sin. However, the perfect human (al-kamil), that is, the mature human, avoids evil and overcomes this blackness, thereby learning from their mistakes and developing. Conversely, the wicked person remains trapped in the vortex of sins, colors the fire of hell, and is led to a spiritual collapse. This necessitates constant self-accounting by a person and clarity of intention.
The Importance of Repentance and Divine Grace
Great importance is attributed to repentance in Ghazali’s works; for repentance is an atonement for sins and elevates a person’s degree. However, repentance is not merely a declaration of sincerity with words, but also turning away from mistakes and proceeding on the right path. Sometimes, thanks to God’s grace, the servant’s repentance is accepted and he is cleansed of his sins; this further strengthens the person’s belief in the power of faith. Those who strive to combine the pleasure of people with the pleasure of God are supported by divine protection.
The Importance of Spiritual Guidance and Personalized Advice
While emphasizing the importance of spiritual guidance, Ghazali states that a scholar should be like a doctor who checks a patient’s pulse and makes a diagnosis. Since each person’s situation is different, advice must also be personalized; for every servant has different needs and ways of understanding. Therefore, the one giving advice should speak taking into account the condition of his audience, which enables correct guidance and facilitates the impact of the advice on the heart. The sharp wit and appropriate advice shown in the letter written by Hz. Aisha to Hz. Muawiyah is a beautiful example of this principle.