THE STATES OF THE EGO AND PATIENCE

THE STATES OF THE EGO AND PATIENCE

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala states in the Holy Qur’an:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اصْبِرُواْ وَصَابِرُواْ وَرَابِطُواْ وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

“O You who believe, endure, persevere, be attentive and fear Allah so that perhaps you may succeed”. (Surah Al-Imran 3:200)

The disciple should know that the beginning of the spiritual path is patience and its end is gratitude. The path begins with hardship and it ends with happiness.

The soul at the first stage is commanding (nafsi al-ammara). It will command you to do bad deeds and will prevent you from doing good. If the disciple struggles with it, and is patient in opposing its desires, then the soul becomes “reproachful” (nafs al-lawwama).

At this stage, the soul changes because at times it will be tranquil (mutma’inna) and at other times, the soul will be commanding (nafs al-ammara) as it changes from one state to another. If the disciple guides the soul gently with the reins of hope in Allah, then the soul will eventually command to good and it will be tranquil (mutma’inna). The soul will remain in peace and pleasure at this stage and it will not only refrain from evil, but it will run from evil.

The disciple must know that patience in refraining from disobedience and following desires along with maintaining obedience, will grant the disciple every good and by this, the disciple will attain every noble rank and elevated station (maqam).

The Beloved Prophet of Allah ﷺ said, “The least of what you have been granted is certainty and patience. Anyone who receives a share of it is not worried by what he misses of night prayer and fasting throughout the day.“

Dua:

Syed Afzal Ali Shah maududi.
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