To Control the Self Ego or Soul (Nafs)

To remove the obstacles that stand in the path of worship, four things are required:

• Withdrawing from worldly attachment,
• Seclusion from creation,
• Battling Shaytan,
• Opposing the Self Ego or Soul (nafs).

Among these, dealing with the Self Ego or Soul (nafs) is the most difficult, because separation from it is impossible. Nor can it be completely subdued through extreme harshness, as Shaytan can, because the Self Ego or Soul (nafs) is the mount and means through which worship is carried out. Whenever a person intends to perform worship and turn toward it, he cannot expect cooperation from the Self Ego or Soul (nafs), because opposition to goodness and following desires are part of its nature. 

In such a situation, it becomes necessary to place the reins of God-consciousness Piety or Fear of God (taqwa) upon the Self Ego or Soul (nafs) so that it does not rebel and become defiant. Rather, it should remain obedient and submissive to the servant, enabling him to use it in righteous and beneficial deeds while preventing it from places of destruction and corruption. In this way, one should prepare to cross this difficult pass and seek help from Allah Almighty for it.