The path to tazkiyat al-nafs (purification of the nafs—the lower self) is the habituation of actions that issue from pure and perfected nafs. That is, when these actions are repeated over time and become habitual, they begin to emanate from the nafs as a firm disposition. It is necessary and desirable that these actions become second nature to the individual, just like their natural disposition. In this state, good deeds that previously seemed burdensome to the person begin to feel easy. For example, the way for someone who desires the virtue of generosity is to occupy themselves with the actions of a generous person. This means distributing wealth. The person continues to strive (gayret) in this matter until the act becomes easy for them, and thus, they themselves become truly generous. Similarly, someone who is dominated by arrogance and wishes to acquire the virtue of humility must, over time, continually strive to perform the actions of humble people. (Mizān, 55)
The ḥaqīqa (inner reality) of sabr (patient endurance) is attained when the nafs reaches itmi'nān (serenity); and its serenity is achieved through tazkiyat al-nafs.