For Deen or Nafs

By Hazrat Maulana Yunus PatelSaheb

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There are many who speak ill of Deen (religion), criticizing and mocking various aspects and teachings of Deen. We need not have to look far because in our homes many things are said and done against the Shariah, against the commands of Allah Ta’ala and teachings of His Rasool e. At that time our anger is not apparent.

Our weakness is that if a thing is said against us, then we get angry and justify our anger by saying that they spoke ill of Deen. We present excuses for our shortcomings.

Nafs is very, very subtle in its work. Its evil is sometimes very difficult to recognize. It can hoodwink us in many ways. We say that our anger is because of Deen, whereas it is not because of Deen. It is because our egos are hurt and our pride, injured. Otherwise why don’t we feel the same hurt and injury when others say and do so many things against Deen ?

On self-introspection and scrutiny a person will, however, be able to detect and recognize the evil of his nafs. Allah Ta’ala makes mention in Surah Qiyaamah

“Nay! Man will be evidence against himself;

Though he may put forth his excuses

(to conceal his evil deeds).”

[Surah Qiyaamah 75 : 14 / 15]

The Mufassireen (commentators of the Qur`aan Sharief) have explained that man has insight into his nafs, and even though he is aware and understands his state of being, he presents excuses and inadequate and weak reasoning, to justify hisbehaviour.

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