Book Name:Zoq e Ramzan Barqarar Rakhy
commanding soul) is rectified and one develops piety.
We have two main enemies: Satan, and the nafs al-ammārah.
During Ramadan, Satan is imprisoned, but we fast to weaken the hold of the nafs al-ammārah. Despite hunger and thirst, we do not eat. We abstain from the desires of the nafs from saḥūr to ifṭār. This self-control weakens its influences and rectifies it.
It is apparent that focusing on reforming the nafs is one of the main objectives of Ramadan. Therefore, we should continue this effort even after the blessed month has passed to maintain the spirit of devotion we felt when it was here.
Ways to correct the nafs al-ammārah
Shaykh Farīd al-Dīn ʿAṭṭār رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه writes that three weapons are required to control the nafs al-ammārah:
1. The dagger of silence
2. The sword of hunger
3. The spear of solitude and refraining from crowds
If one possesses these three weapons, the evil-commanding nafs can be subdued and rectified.[1]
O devotees of the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم! If we wish to maintain Ramadan’s spirit of devotion throughout the remaining 11 months, we must adopt these three actions: Number 1: The dagger of silence
Our beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم declared, “Whoever believes in Allah