‘Desires make slaves out of kings, and patience makes kings out of slaves’. Imam Al Ghazali

‘Desires make slaves out of kings, and patience makes kings out of slaves’. Imam Al Ghazali

As humans we have been created in a special, unique way. The human race has achieved many feats throughout history, nothing is beyond us. We are superior to animals as we have been equipped with intellect. We also have very strong desires, which we have been given the ability to control and keep in equilibrium.

To become successful, one must understand the role of the intellect. One needs to make their intellect powerful so that it makes all the right decisions, and can distinguish accurately from virtue and vice.

However, if we allow our desires to lead us, then this will surely lead to our destruction. As humans, we are never satiated. We always seek more, such as more money, better career, lofty house ect. We can never be content in chasing after these temporary pleasures as they are like an illusion which provides us with a false hope.

When one seeks to sin, they should persevere against this. To enhance their chances of success, they should better their intellect. For example, if someone is tempted to smoke weed, but recognises it as harmful, is most likely to abstain as he fears punishment, or seeks the appreciation from his master.

When one fails to discipline them and indulges in sin by allowing their intellect/mind to be overided by their desire, they now become inferior to animals; even a hunting dog is able to discipline itself unlike other dogs, as it is motivated by punishment from its owner, or a reward. Therefore, when we fail to control ourselves, we go against that which is appropriate for us; we rather oppress ourselves, as though we are deliberately drinking poison although it is warned as being harmful for us. As a result, we become inferior to the animals, as we fail to live our existence composedly, although our Lord created us as superior.

As a result, constant sinning leads the person to an anxious state whereby they can’t take pleasure in small actions; this is because the peace in the heart has been shattered. They are unable to abstain from these desires and over time, they become accustomed to it, making it into addiction. This causes long term unhappiness and can lead to depression and suffering in this world and the next. As humans, we have enormous desires which can never be fulfilled. If you look at celebrities who have been given material wealth, you’ll realise that they aren’t actually content; rather they pretend to be and seek various avenues to try to capture a feeling of harmony.

When one restrains themselves from sin, they feel a sense of tranquillity within as the peace is preserved. For example, in Ramadan we feel at peace as we are constantly purifying ourself. If you consider the night prayers, if one prays all of them they’ve prayed 600 extra units of prayer. It is the best time to strengthen ourselves and discipline ourselves so that we can make the rest of our life a means of happiness and not remorse.

*Any mistakes are from myself.