Disciplining The Soul

Recognize that every aspect of human nature works in their favor, whether directly (food want, for example) or indirectly (damage prevention, wrath). But when these innate desires are not controlled, bad things happen. Gluttony results from an overwhelming need for eating. Anger out of control also results in transgression. The goal should be to bring the soul into balance so that the faithful can approach God in peace and quiet. Envy, greed, unbridled lust, sexual desire, arrogance, gluttony, rage, stinginess, extravagance, vanity, and commitment to this life are only a few of the spiritual maladies the author discusses. He also talks about the attributes that a person seeking God must have, including love, self-control, humility, self-criticism, character development, patience, and honesty. He teaches the pilgrims how to heal their spiritual illnesses and develop the attributes they need in order to travel to Allah in a straightforward yet powerful manner. Thirty chapters have been included in this masterwork to make it easier for the reader to understand. Anecdotes from the early virtuous forebears are used to underline important points.