In the Name of Allâh, the
Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Know that all the facets
of mankind's disposition are for their benefit - either directly such as the
desire for food, or indirectly by preventing harm, such as the capacity for
anger. However, when these natural impulses are not moderated it culminates in
harm. If the desire for food is excessive it leads to gluttony. Similarly when
anger is uncontrolled it leads to transgression. The aim should be to achieve
equilibrium of the soul, to allow the faithful to approach God without
distraction. The author addresses many spiritual diseases - such as envy,
greed, uncontrolled lust, sexual desire, arrogance, gluttony, anger,
stinginess, extravagance, vanity and attachment to this world. He also
discusses the qualities that the seeker of God must acquire - such as love,
self discipline, humility, self-criticism, improvement of character, patience
and truthfulness. In a simple yet effective way he shows the wayfarers how to
cure their spiritual diseases and acquire the necessary qualities for their
journey to Allah. This masterpiece has been divided into thirty chapters to
facilitate the reader's comprehension. Important points are highlighted using
anecdotes from the early righteous predecessors. The author, Ibn al-Jawzi (d.
597 AH) was an erudiate scholar of the Hanbali madhab.
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