Ego
and soul are two of the attributes that comprise the distinction in a
particular person. Ego tells us that “we” matter whereas soul provides
us the reason to live and strive for happiness. We humans are dependent
entirely upon our souls because feeding it with the right contents
nurture it and in return allows us to do productive deeds.
Soul
like living things needs food to feed on and to respond in accordance.
Feeding toxic and illegal things makes it rusted and despondent which
eventually trap us in the tribulations of Satan. On the contrary,
feeding it with positive food turns it into enliven soul keeping the
faith of a person alive.
Faith and Soul Connection in Islam:
Islam,
religion of peace advises Muslims and all the faith bearers to lay
trust on Allah and feed their soul and heart with the sheer remembrance
of Him. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that:
“O You who turns hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion.” [Al Tirmidhi]
Quran learning and teaching on
the other hand asks Muslims to seek Allah for guidance to revert hearts
towards religion Islam as in it lies the contentment for soul and
hearts. Quran attests to it as:
“[Who
say], “Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us
and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.” [Quran
3:8]
Starving Ego to Nourish Good:
Ego
is the main obstacle in acquiring good in our lives because it forces
us to be selfish and allow us to think for ourselves merely. Islam
teaches to be kind to all and sacrifice one’s ego in order to remain
humble as with gross ego, one cannot achieve what Allah and Quran has
commanded. Fasting is the best practice to starve ego as Allah says in
Quran:
“Fasting is enjoined on you, as it was enjoined on those before you, that you may perhaps become God-conscious. [Qur’an 2:183]
Feeding Soul:
As
a sick person needs antidotes, likewise soul requires medicine to stay
positive, free of intoxication and to remain positive. The entire
teachings of Quran and Hadith refer to few things, which are essential
for feeding souls, which every Muslim should adopt to keep their soul
purified, including:
- Connect the Dots:
Quran
is complete package, which holds everything in it, hence scrutinize
those signs that Allah wants us to adopt and then hold onto it. The
basic purpose of creation though is to worship Him but what comes next
is to live this life to help the people of Allah and treating them
gently. Be kind to your kit and kin as this is what matters in a long
run. Follow the precise code of behavior because giving happiness to
others is satisfying your soul in return:
“…And
to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near
neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the
traveler, and those whom your right hands possess….” [Quran 4:36]
- Light a Candle:
Those
who light a candle for someone benefit from its lightening until the
very end of it. Charity is the third pillar of Islam and is one way of
keeping this candle lighted for others and for you as well. Charity is
donation to the deserving people for sake of Allah in order to benefit
those who are deprived of what Allah has blessed you with.
Contemplate the lives of philanthropist and you will come to know what in actual our souls need for keeping it happy and alive. Zakat or
Charity is soul purification because it instills humbleness and tears
ego. Charity is sharing smiles, a benevolent gift for humanity, who does
good have good, as stated:
“If
you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you
conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He
will remove from you some of your misdeeds [thereby]. And Allah, with
what you do, is [fully] acquainted.” [2:271]
- Sail and Submit:
The
feelings of freedom is a bliss which is achieved when a Muslim totally
surrender himself to the will of God. Islam is the religion, which
starts and teaches Iyyah kanah Badu wae’yah Kanasta’een:
“It is You (Allah) we worship and You (Allah) we ask for help.” [Quran 2:5]
Submitting
oneself free from dependency keeps person self-esteem alive. Soul
intoxicates when a person all the time pleads in front of others and
asks for their help instead from the exalted deity who is the Omnipotent
and has the power to award anything.
Salah is
the way of absolution. A person when prostrates in front of Allah,
Allah with His mercy free him from lamenting and bowing in front of
others. Quran says:
“And
seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult
except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].” [Quran 2:45]
- Recite and Glorify:
The
prime and foremost purpose of revealing Quran is supervision and
legitimate guidance in every core issues of life. Allah is the creator
and sustainer and knows what will satisfy His worshipper’s heart hence
sent Quran as a precise meditation for Muslims. Towards one’s origin,
one finds peace and contentment, in the same way hearts find solace in
the remembrance of Allah
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest”.” [Quran 13:28]
Do
Dhikar and glorify His blessings that He has embarked upon us all,
verily Allah’s blessings are innumerable, and then which of His favors
will we deny?
- Forgive and Win hearts:
Forgiveness is the best means of nurturing one’s soul towards purification. Forgiveness is
getting the upper edge and moral defeat to others who have done wrong
but you forgive them instead having the power and win their hearts.
“Whoever pardons and makes reconciliation – his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers.” [Quran 42:40]
In
short, there are millions of ways to keep your soul purify and feed it
for productive deeds. Reap evil with good; never complain on your luck,
as we are oblivion of the good lies in it. Join relations, keep it in
good shape with those who cuts with you, forgive and forget because
Allah is the Ultimate Judge.
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