Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

The Soul And Holding It To Account

The soul and holding it to account-النفس ومحاسبتها

1 . The noble soul is not affected by misfortunes.

1 ـ اَلنَفْسُ الْكَريمَةُ لاتُؤَثِّرُ فِيهَا النَّكِباتُ

2 . The honourable soul does not find it difficult to [spend wealth in order to] acquire provisions.

2 ـ اَلنَّفْسُ الشَّريفَةُ لاتَثْقُلُ عَلَيْهَا المَؤُناتُ

3 . The ignoble soul does not separate from [its] vile attributes.

3 ـ اَلنَّفْسُ الدَّنِيَّةُ لاتَنْفَكُّ عَنِ الدَّنائاتِ

4 . A person’s upbraiding of his own soul is evidence of the gravity of his intellect and the symbol of his abundant merit.

4 ـ إزْراءُ الرَّجُلِ عَلى نَفْسِهِ بُرْهانُ رَزانَةِ عَقْلِهِ وعُنْوانُ وُفُورِ فَضْلِهِ

5 . Souls are free but the hands of the intellects hold their reins and protect them from [wretchedness and] misfortune.

5 ـ اَلنُّفُوسُ طَلِقَةٌ لكِنْ أيْدِى العُقُولِ تُمْسِكُ أعِنَّتَها عَنِ النُّحُوسِ

6 . One who is pleased with himself is cheated and one who is overconfident is faced with affliction.

6 ـ اَلرَّاضِي عَنْ نَفْسِهِ مَغْبُونٌ والواثِقُ بِها مَفْتُونٌ

7 . The one who is pleased with himself cannot see his own faults but if he were to know the merits of others, he would cover up (and feel ashamed of) the faults and flaws that are in him.

7 ـ اَلرَّاضِي عَنْ نَفْسِهِ مَسْتُورٌ عَنْهُ عَيْبُهُ، ولَوْ عَرَفَ فَضْلَ غَيْرِهِ كَساهُ (لَساءَهُ) ما بِهِ مِنَ النَّقْصِ والخُسْرانِ

8 . The refractory, alluring soul flatters as the hypocrite flatters and feigns the attribute of an assenting friend, until such a time when it deceives and gains mastery, then it dominates as an enemy would dominate and dictates as the tyrant would dictate, thereby taking one into the places of evil.

8 ـ اَلنَّفْسُ الأمـّارَةُ المُسَوِّلَةُ تَتَمَلَّقُ تَمَلُّقَ الْمُنافِقِ، وتَتَصَنَّعُ بِشِيمَةِ الصَّدِيقِ المُوافِقِ، حَتّى إذا خَدَعتْ وتَمَكَّنَتْ تَسَلَّطَتْ تَسَلُّطَ العَدُوِّ، وَتَحَكَّمَتْ تَحَكُّمَ الْعُتُوِّ، فَأَوْرَدَتْ مَوارِدَ السُّوءِ

9 . Honour your soul as long as it aids you in the obedience of Allah.

9 ـ أكْرِمْ نَفْسَكَ ما أعانَتْكَ عَلى طاعَةِ اللّهِ

10 . Humiliate your soul as long as it makes you recalcitrant in the disobedience of Allah.

10 ـ أهِنْ نَفْسَكَ ما جَمَحَتْ بِكَ إلى مَعاصِي اللّهِ

11 . Have fear of Allah in your soul, wrest away the control that Satan has over you, turn your attention towards the Hereafter and make [the pleasure of] Allah the object of your striving.

11 ـ إتَّقِ اللّهَ في نَفْسِكَ، وَنازِ عِ الشَّيْطانَ قِيادَكَ، وَاصْرِفْ إلَى الآخِرَةِ وَجْهَكَ، واجْعَلْ لِلّهِ جِدَّكَ

12 . Ennoble your soul from every vile quality, even if it drives you to your desires, for indeed you will never be able to compensate for what you have lost of your soul.

12 ـ أكْرِمْ نَفْسَكَ عَنْ كُلِّ دَنِيَّة وَإنْ ساقَتْكَ إلى الرَّغائِبِ فَإنَّكَ لَنْ تَعْتاضَ عَمّا تَبْذُلُ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ عِوَضاً

13 . Make yourself a guardian over your soul and reserve a portion of this world for your Hereafter.

13 ـ اِجْعَلْ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ عَلى نَفْسِكَ رَقِيباً واجْعَلْ لآخِرَتِكَ مِنْ دُنْياكَ نَصِيْباً

14 . Move closer to your soul by retracting from it (I mean that you should move towards your loftier and higher self which has been adapted from the light of your intellect and acts as a barrier between you and the inclinations of your base nature; and by retracting I mean you should retract from the soul that commands to evil and shakes hands with defiance).

14 ـ أقْبِلْ عَلى نَفْسِكَ بِالإدْبارِ عَنْها (أعْنِي أنْ تُقْبِلَ عَلى نَفْسِكَ الفاضِلَةِ المُقْتَبِسَةِ مِنْ نُورِ عَقْلِكَ الْحائِلَةِ بَيْنَكَ وبَيْنَ دَواعِي طَبْعِكَ، وأعْنِي بِالإدْبارِ اَلإدْبارَ عَنْ نَفْسِكَ الأمـّارَةِ بِالسُّوءِ اَلمُصافِحَةِ بِيَدِ الْعُتُوِّ ).

15 . Restrain your soul from lustful desires and you will remain safe from calamities.

15 ـ اِمْنَعْ نَفْسَكَ مِنَ الشَّهَواتِ تَسْلَمْ مِنَ الآفاتِ

16 . Be equitable yourself before equity is sought from you, for indeed that is loftier for your status and more deserving of the pleasure of your Lord.

16 ـ أنْصِفْ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ قَبْلَ أنْ يُنْتَصَفَ مِنْكَ، فَإنَّ ذلِكَ أجَلُّ لِقَدَرِكَ،

وَأجْدَرُ بِرِضا رَبِّكَ

17 . Gain control over your souls by your continuous struggle against it.

17 ـ اِمْلِكُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ بِدَوامِ جِهادِها

18 . Occupy yourselves with [acts of] obedience [to Allah], and your tongues with the remembrance [of Allah], and your hearts with acceptance [of His will] in what you love and hate.

18 ـ اِشْغَلُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ بِالطّاعَةِ، وألْسِنَتـَكُمْ بِالذِّكْرِ، وقُلُوبَكُمْ بِالرِّضا فِيما أحْبَبْتُمْ وكَرِهْتُمْ

19 . Restrain these souls for indeed they are very desirous, and if you follow them, they will lead you towards the worst evil.

19 ـ اِقْمَعُوا هذِهِ النُّفُوسَ، فَإنَّها طُلَعَةٌ إنْ تُطِيعُوها تَزِغْ بِكُمْ إلى شَرِّ غايَة

20 . Knowledge about oneself is the more beneficial of the two types of knowledge.

20 ـ اَلمَعْرِفَةُ بِالنَّفْسِ أنْفَعُ المَعْرِفَتَيْنِ

21 . Beware of being pleased with yourself thereby increasing the number of those who are displeased with you.

21 ـ إيّاكَ أنْ تَرْضى عَنْ نَفْسِكَ فَيَكْثُرَ السّاخِطُ عَلَيْكَ

22 . Beware of overconfidence for this is one of the biggest traps of Satan.

22 ـ إيّاكَ والثِّقَةَ بِنَفْسِكَ فَإنَّ ذلِكَ مِنْ أكْبَرِ مَصائِدِ الشَّيْطانِ

23 . Indeed there is no price for your souls other than Paradise, so do not sell them except [in return] for it.

23 ـ ألا إنَّهُ لَيْسَ لأنْفُسِكُمْ ثَمَنٌ إلاّ الْجَنَّةُ، فَلاتَبِيعُوها إلاّ بِها

24 . The greatest affliction is poverty of the soul.

24 ـ أكْبَرُ الْبَلاءِ فَقـْرُ النَّفْسِ

25 . He who is controlled by lustful desires and enslaved by (worldly) aspirations has degraded his soul.

25 ـ أزْرى بِنَفْسِهِ مَنْ مَلَكَتْهُ الشَّهْوَةُ، واسْتَعْبَدَتْهُ المَطامِعُ

26 . The strongest of people is one who has the greatest command over his soul.

26 ـ أقْوَى النّاسِ أعْظَمُهُمْ سُلْطاناً عَلى نَفْسِهِ

27 . The weakest of people is one who is unable to reform his soul.

27 ـ أعْجَزُ النّاسِ مَن عَجَزَ عَنْ إصْلاحِ نَفْسِهِ

28 . The person with the greatest control over his soul is the one who subdues his anger and kills off his lustful desire.

28 ـ أعْظَمُ النّاسِ سُلْطاناً عَلى نَفْسِهِ مَنْ قَمَعَ غَضَبَهُ وأماتَ شَهْوَتَهُ

29 . Verily when souls are in harmony they become close [with one another].

29 ـ إنَّ النُّفُوسَ إذا تَناسَبَتْ اِيتَلَفَتْ

30 . Verily your souls have [great] value, so do not sell them except for Paradise.

30 ـ إنَّ لأنْفُسِكُمْ أثْماناً، فَلا تَبيعُوها إلاّ بِالْجَنَّةِ

31 . Indeed the one who sells his soul for anything other than Paradise suffers great tribulation.

31 ـ إنَّ مَنْ باعَ نَفْسَهُ بِغَيْرِ الْجَنَّةِ، فَقَدْ عَظُمَتْ عَلَيْهِ الْمِحْنَةُ

32 . Verily these souls are very desirous, if you obey them they will lead you to the depths of evil.

32 ـ إنَّ هذِهِ النُّفُوسَ طُلَعَةٌ، إنْ تُطيعُوها تَنْزِ عْ بِكُمْ إلى شَرِّ غايَة

33 . Verily obeying the self and following its vain desires is the root of every tribulation and the cornerstone of every aberrance.

33 ـ إنَّ طاعَةَ النَّفْسِ ومُتابَعَةَ أهْوِيَتِها أُسُّ كُلِّ مِحْنَة ورَأْسُ كُلِّ غَوايَة

34 . Verily the soul has far-reaching desires and continues to be inclined towards disobedience in its desires.

34 ـ إنَّ النَّفْسَ أبْعَدُ شَيْء مَنْـزَعاً، وإنَّها لاتَزالُ تَنْزِعُ إلى مَعْصِيَة في هَوىً

35 . Verily this soul commands towards evil so one who neglects it [and does not discipline it] is indomitably driven by it towards sins.

35 ـ إنَّ هذِهِ النَّفْسَ لأمـّارَةٌ بِالسُّوْءِ فَمَنْ أهْمَلَها جَمَحَتْ بِهِ إلَى الْمَ آثِمِ

36 . Verily your soul is a deceiver; if you trust it, Satan will lead you to commit forbidden acts.

36 ـ إنَّ نَفْسَكَ لَخَدُوعٌ، إنْ تَثِقْ بِها يَقْتَدْكَ الشَّيْطانُ إلَى ارْتِكابِ الْمَحارِمَ

37 . Verily the soul commands towards evil and indecency, so whoever trusts it, it deceives him and whoever has confidence in it, it destroys him and whoever is pleased with it, it makes him enter the worst of places.

37 ـ إنَّ النَّفْسَ لأمّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ والفَحْشاءِ، فَمَنِ ائْتَمَنَها خانَتْهُ، ومَنِ اسْتَنامَ إلَيْها أهْلَكَتْهُ، ومَنْ رَضِيَ عَنْها أوْرَدَتْهُ شَرَّ المَوارِدِ

38 . Verily the true believer does not enter his evening and morning but that he distrusts his soul, so he continues to belittle [and find fault with] it and seeks more [good] for it.

38 ـ إنَّ المُؤْمِنَ لا يُمْسي ولايُصْبِـحُ إلاّ ونَفْسُهُ ظَنُونٌ عِنْدَهُ، فَلايَزالُ زارِياً عَلَيْها، ومُسْتَزِيداً لَها

39 . Verily the soul is a valuable gem, whoever guards it elevates it and whoever does not preserve it abases it.

39 ـ إنَّ النَّفْسَ لَجَوْهَرَةٌ ثَمِيْنَةٌ مَنْ صانَها رَفَعَها ومَنِ ابْتَذَلَها وَضَعَها

40 . Verily the soul that seeks short-lived desires will surely perish in its quest and will be wretched in its place of return [in the Hereafter].

40 ـ إنَّ النَّفْسَ الَّتي تَطْلُبُ الرَّغائِبَ الفانِيَةَ لَتَهْلِكُ في طَلَبِها، وتَشْقى في مُنْقَلَبِها

41 . Verily the soul that struggles to acquire the everlasting desires will surely achieve its goal and will be felicitous in its place of return [in the Hereafter].

41 ـ إنَّ النَّفْسَ الَّتي تَجْهَدُ فِي اقْتِناءِ الرَّغائِبِ الْباقِيَةِ لَتُدْرِكُ طَلَبَها، وَتَسْعَدُ في مُنْقَلَبِها

42 . Verily the soul is like the camel that likes to eat bitter grass, and the ear does not retain much of what it hears, so do not cut off your understanding by being importunate with your soul because for each part of the body there is [need for] repose.

42 ـ إنَّ النَّفْسَ حَمِضَةٌ، والأُذُنَ مَجّاجَةٌ، فَلا تَجُبَّ فَهْمَكَ بِالإلْحاحِ عَلى قَلْبِكَ، فَإنَّ لِكُلِّ عُضْو مِنَ البَدَنِ اِسْتِراحَةً

43 . Verily your soul is your riding mount, if you make it carry more than it can bear, you will kill it and if you treat it with kindness, you will save it.

43 ـ إنَّ نَفْسَكَ مَطِيَّتُكَ، إنْ أجْهَدْ تَها قَتَلْتَها، وإنْ رَفَقْتَ بِها أبْقَيْتَها

44 . Verily if you contravene this division [and allotment of specific times for specific deeds] then the supererogatory acts you perform do not take the place of the obligatory that you have neglected.

44 ـ إنَّكَ إنْ أخْلَلْتَها بِشَيْء مِنْ هذا التَّقْسِيمِ فَلا تَقُومُ نَوافِلُ تَكْتَسِبُها بِفَرائِضَ تُضَيِّعُها

45 . Being preoccupied with disciplining the soul is better [for you].

45 ـ اَلاِشْتِغالُ بِتَهْذيبِ النَّفْسِ أصْلَحُ

46 . Overconfidence [in oneself] is one of the strongest opportunities for Satan.

46 ـ اَلثِّقَةُ بِالنَّفْسِ مِنْ أوْثَقِ فُرَصِ الشَّيْطانِ

47 . Redressing the corruption of one’s soul is the most beneficial accomplishment.

47 ـ اِسْتِدْراكُ فَسادِ النَّفْسِ مِنْ أنْفَعِ التَّحْقِيقِ

48 . Your preoccupation with your own flaws is sufficient to keep [the] shame [of searching for others faults] away from you.

48 ـ إشْتِغالُكَ بِمَعائِبِ نَفْسِكَ يَكْفِيكَ العارُ

49 . If you do not restrain your soul from many of the things that you love out of fear of its displeasure, then vain desires will drive you towards a lot of harm.

49 ـ إنْ لَمْ تَرْدَعْ نَفْسَكَ عَنْ كَثِير مِمّا تُحِبُّ مَخافَةَ مَكْرُوهِهِ سَمَتْ بِكَ الأهـْواءُ إلى كَثِير مِنَ الضَّرَرِ

50 . Verily if you give your [carnal] soul control over yourself, you will corrupt your Hereafter and put you into unending affliction and incessant wretchedness.

50 ـ إنَّكَ إنْ مَلَّكْتَ نَفْسَكَ قِيادَكَ، أفْسَدْتَ مَعادَكَ، وأوْرَدَتْكَ بَلاءً لا يَنْـتَهي، وشَقاءً لايَنْقَضي

51 . Verily if you obey your [carnal] souls, they will lead you towards the worst end.

51 ـ إنَّكُمْ إنْ أطَعْتُمْ أنْفُسَكُمْ نَزَعَتْ بِكُمْ إلى شَرِّ غايَة

52 . Indeed you are just like the one who stabs himself in order to kill the one who is sitting behind him.

52 ـ إنَّما أنْتَ كَالطّاعِنِ نَفْسَهُ لِيَقْتُلَ رِدْفَهُ

53 . When you make your soul obey Allah you have honoured it, and if you allow it to disobey Him you have humiliated it.

53 ـ إذا أخَذْتَ نَفْسَكَ بِطاعَةِ اللّهِ أكْرَمْتَها، وإنِ ابْتَذَلْتَها (بَذَلْتَها) في مَعاصيهِ أهَنْتـَها

54 . When your soul becomes obstinate with you then be obstinate with it and it will be humble to you, and deceive your soul with regards to yourself, it will yield to you.

54 ـ إذا صَعُبَتْ عَلَيْكَ نَفْسُكَ فَاصْعُبْ لَها تَذِلُّ لَكَ وخادِعْ نَفْسَكَ عَنْ نَفْسِكَ تَنْقَدْ لَكَ

55 . When you desire the uprightness of your soul then you should adopt moderation, contentment and the reduction of [your] wants.

55 ـ إذا رَغِبْتَ في صَلاحِ نَفْسِكَ فَعَلَيْكَ بِالاِقْتِصادِ، والقُنُوعِ، وَالتَّقَلُّلِ

56 . Uprightness of the soul is [attained] through struggle.

56 ـ بِالْمُجاهَدَةِ صَلاحُ النَّفْسِ

57 . Take it upon yourselves to discipline your souls and turn them away from their harmful habits.

57 ـ تَوَلَّوْا مِنْ أنْفُسِكُمْ تَأْدِيبَها واعْدِلُوا بِها عَنْ ضَرارَةِِ عاداتِها

58 . Demand from your soul [the performance of] that which it obligatory upon it and you will be safe from the demands of others, scrutinize it and you will have no need for the scrutiny of others.

58 ـ تَقاضَ نَفْسَكَ بِما يَجِبُ عَلَيْها تَأمَنْ تَقاضِيَ غَيْرِكَ لَكَ،وَاسْتَقْصِعَلَيْها تَغْنَ عَنِ اسْتِقْصاءِ غَيْرِكَ

59 . He (a) said about the one whom he was censuring: His [lower] self dominates him by means of that which he assumes, and he cannot overpower it with what he is certain of. He has made his vain desire his master and he obeys it in all his affairs.

59 ـ وقالَ في حَقِّ مَنْ ذَمَّهُ: تَغْلِبُهُ نَفْسُهُ عَلى ما يَظُنُّ، ولا يَغْلِبُها عَلى ما يَسْتَيْقِنُ، قَدْ جَعَلَ هَواهُ أمِيرَهُ، وأطاعَهُ فِي سائِرِ أُمُورِهِ

60 . Try yourself in the obedience of Allah through patience in performing obligatory acts and perseverance in performing supererogatory acts and duties.

60 ـ جَرِّبْ نَفْسَكَ في طاعَةِ اللّهِ بِالصَّبْرِ عَلى أداءِ الفَرائِضِ والدُّؤُبِ فِي إقامَةِ النَّوافِلِ والوَظائِفِ

61 . Hold yourselves to account [for your deeds] and you will be safe from the fear of Allah and will attain what you desire [from that which is] with Him.

61 ـ حاسِبُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ تَأْمَنُوا مِنَ اللّهِ الرَّهَبَ، وتُدْرِكُوا عِنْدَهُ الرَّغَبَ

62 . Hold yourself to account for your [own] soul for indeed other souls have someone else who will hold them to account.

62 ـ حاسِبْ نَفْسَكَ لِنَفْسِكَ فَإنَّ غَيْرَها مِنَ الأنْفُسِ لَها حَسيبٌ غَيْرُكَ

63 . Hold your souls to account before they are held to account and weigh them before they are weighed.

63 ـ حاسِبُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ قَبْلَ أنْ تُحاسَبُوا ووازِنُوها قَبْلَ أنْ تُوازَنُوا

64 . Hold your souls to account for their deeds and seek from them the fulfilment of what is obligatory on them and their taking from the evanescent for the eternal; and gather provisions and make preparations before you are resurrected [on the Day of Reckoning].

64 ـ حاسِبُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ بِأعْمالِها، وطالِبُوها بِأداءِ الْمَفْرُوضِ عَلَيْها، وَالأخْذِ مِنْ فَنائِها لِبَقائِها، وتَزَوَّدُوا وتَأهَّبُوا قَبْلَ أنْ تُبْعَثُوا

65 . Beautify your souls with chastity and keep away from wastefulness and extravagance.

65 ـ حَلُّوا أنْفُسَكُمْ بِالْعَفافِ، وتَجَنَّبُوا التَّبْذِيرَ وَالإسْرافَ

66 . The best souls are the purest among them.

66 ـ خَيْرُ النُّفُوسِ أزْكاها

67 . Take [good deeds] from yourself for your soul [in the Hereafter], gather provisions today for your tomorrow, benefit from the slumber (or respite) of time and seize the opportunity [to do good while you can].

67 ـ خُذْ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ لِنَفْسِكَ، وَتَزَوَّدْ مِنْ يَوْمِكَ لِغَدِكَ، واغْتَنِمْ غَفْوَ (عَفْوَ) الزَّمانِ، وانْتَهِزْ فُرْصَةَ الإمْكانِ

68 . Deceive your heart into worshipping and be gentle with it (or do not compel it), and engage it [in worship] when it is free and lively, except for what has been prescribed as obligatory, for indeed that must be fulfilled [in any case].

68 ـ خادِعْ نَفْسَكَ عَنِ الْعِبادَةِ، وارْفُقْ بِها (وَلاتَقْهَرْها)، وَخُذْ عَفْوَها، وَنِشاطَها، إلاّ ماكانَ مَكْتُوباً مِنَ الْفَرِيضَةِ، فَإنَّهُ لابـُدَّ مِنْ أدائِها

69 . Take from your bodies and bestow them generously to your souls, and strive to free yourselves before your ransoms are blocked.

69 ـ خُذُوا مِنْ أجْسادِكُمْ تَجُودُوا بِها عَلى أنْفُسِكُمْ واسْعَوْا في فِكاكِ رِقابِكُمْ قَبْلَ أنْ تُغْلَقَ رَهائِنُها

70 . Oppose your [carnal] soul and you will become upright, mingle with scholars and you will learn.

70 ـ خالِفْ نَفْسَكَ تَسْتَقِمْ وخالِطِ الْعُلَماءَ تَعْلَمْ

71 . Serving the soul means protecting it from [unlawful] pleasures and acquisitions, training it with knowledge and wisdom and making it strive in performing acts of worship and obedience, for in this lies the salvation for the soul.

71 ـ خِدْمَةُ النَّفْسِ صيانَتُها عَنِ اللَّذّاتِ، والمُقْتَنَياتِ، ورِياضَتُها بِالعُلُومِ والحِكَمِ، واجْتِهادُها (إجْهادُها) بِالعِباداتِ والطّاعاتِ، وَفِي ذلِكَ نَجاةُ النَّفْسِ

72 . The cure of the soul is abstaining from vain desires and abstinence from the pleasures of this world.

72 ـ دَواءُ النَّفْسِ الصَّوْمُ عَنِ الهَوى والْحِمْيَةُ عَنْ لَذّاتِ الدُّنيا

73 . The highest peaks [of success] are not attained but by those who espouse discipline and hard work.

73 ـ ذِرْوَةُ الغاياتِ لا يَنالُها إلاّ ذَوُو التَّهْذِيبِ والمُجاهِداتِ

74 . Have humility in your soul and honour in your faith; preserve your Hereafter and be open-handed with your worldly possessions.

74 ـ ذِلَّ في نَفْسِكَ وعِزَّ في دِينِكَ وصُنْ آخِرَتَكَ وابْذُلْ دُنْياكَ

75 . Humble your souls by abandoning [bad] habits, lead them towards performing acts of obedience [and worship], make them bear the burdens of [others’] liabilities, beautify them through noble deeds, and protect them from the filth of sins.

75 ـ ذَلِّلُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ بِتَرْكِ العاداتِ، وقُودُوها إلى فِعْلِ الطّاعاتِ، وَحَمِّلُوها أعْباءَ المَغارِمِ، وحَلُّوها بِفِعْلِ المَكارِمِ، وصُونُوها عَنْ دَنَسِ الْمَ آثِمِ

76 . Humble your soul through obedience and adorn it with contentment; reduce your wants and be moderate in your earning.

76 ـ ذَلِّلْ نَفْسَكَ بِالطّاعَةِ، وحَلِِّّها بِالقَناعَةِ، وَخَفِّضْ فِي الطَّلَبِ، وَأجْمِلْ فِي الْمُكْتَسَبِ

77 . May Allah have mercy on the person who holds back the reins of his soul from acts of disobedience to Allah and steers it towards the obedience of Allah by its reins.

77 ـ رَحِمَ اللّهُ امْرَءاً اَلْجَمَ نَفْسَهُ عَنْ مَعاصِي اللّهِ بِلِجامِها، وقادَها إلى طاعَةِ اللّهِ بِزِمامِها

78 . May Allah have mercy on the person who subdues the inclinations of his soul towards vain desires thereby protecting it, and steers it towards the obedience of Allah by its reins.

78 ـ رَحِمَ اللّهُ امْرَءاً قَمَعَ نَوازِ عَ نَفْسِهِ إلَى الهَوى فَصانَها، وقادَها إلى طاعَةِ اللّهِ بِعِنانِها

79 . Deterring the soul from vain desire is the greater Jihad.

79 ـ رَدْعُ النَّفْسِ عَنِ الهَوى اَلْجِهادُ الأكْبَرِ

80 . Deterring the soul from vain desire is the Jihad that is beneficial.

80 ـ رَدْعُ النَّفْسِ عَنِ الهَوى هُوَ الْجِهادُ النَّافِعُ

81 . Deterring the soul from the vanities of this world is the fruit of reason.

81 ـ رَدْعُ النَّفْسِ عَنْ زَخارِفِ الدُّنْيا ثَمَرَةُ الْعَقْلِ

82 . Deterring the soul from the temptation of vain desire is the fruit of nobility.

82 ـ رَدْعُ النَّفْسِ عَنْ تَسْوِيلِ الْهَوى ثَمَرَةُ النُّبْلِ

83 . Turn your soul away when faced with lustful desires and make it steadfast on the book of Allah when faced with doubts.

83 ـ رُدَّ عَنْ نَفْسِكَ عِنْدَ الشَّهَواتِ وأقِمْها عَلى كِتابِ اللّهِ عِنْدَ الشُّبَهاتِ

84 . Restraining the soul and struggling against its vain desires raises one’s ranks and multiplies the good deeds.

84 ـ رَدْعُ النَّفْسِ وجِهادُها عَنْ أهْوِيَتِها يَرْفَعُ الدَّرَجاتِ ويُضاعِفُ الْحَسَناتِ

85 . Your satisfaction with yourself is an indication of the corruption of your mind.

85 ـ رِضاكَ عَنْ نَفْسِكَ مِنْ فَسادِ عَقْلِكَ

86 . The person’s satisfaction with himself is [always] accompanied by the displeasure of his Lord.

86 ـ رِضَا العَبْدِ عَنْ نَفسِهِ مَقْرُونٌ بِسَخَطِ رَبِّهِ

87 . A man’s satisfaction with himself is evidence of his feeble-mindedness.

87 ـ رِضَا الْمَرْءِ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ بُرْهانُ سَخافَةِ عَقْلِهِ

88 . Turning away from [the pleasures of] this world is the means of reforming the soul.

88 ـ سَبَبُ صَلاحِ النَّفْسِ العُزُوفُ عَنِ الدُّنيا

89 . Governing one’s soul is the best [form of] administration and the eminency of knowledge is the most honourable pre-eminence.

89 ـ سِياسَةُ النَّفْسِ أفْضَلُ سِياسَة ورِياسَةُ الْعِلْمِ أشْرَفُ رِياسَة

90 . The worst indigence is poverty of the soul.

90 ـ شَرُّ الْفَقْرِ فَقْرُ النَّفْسِ

91 . The worst thing is being pleased with oneself.

91 ـ شَرُّ الأُمُورِ الرِّضا عَنِ النَّفْسِ

92 . The uprightness of the soul is [in] reduced greed.

92 ـ صَلاحُ النَّفْسِ قِلَّةُ الطَّمَعِ

93 . Reformation of the soul is [achieved by] struggling against vain desires.

93 ـ صَلاحُ النَّفْسِ مُجاهَدَةُ الْهَوى

94 . The misguidance of souls is between the impulses of lust and anger.

94 ـ ضَلالُ النُّفُوسِ بَيْنَ دَواعِي الشَّهْوَةِ والغَضَبِ

95 . The fruit of self-appraisal is reformation of the soul.

95 ـ ثَمَرَةُ الْمُحاسَبَةِ صَلاحُ النَّفْسِ

96 . Weigh your souls before they are weighed and hold them to account before they are held to account, and breathe before the throat is constricted, and follow submissively before you are driven by force.

96 ـ زِنُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ قَبْلَ أنْ تُوازَنُوا (تُوزَنُوا) وَحاسِبُوها قَبْلَ أنْ تُحاسَبُوا، وَتَنَفَّسُوا مِنْ (قَبْلَ)ضِيقِ الخَناقِ (وانْقادُوا)قَبْلَ عُنْفِ السِّياقِ

97 . Restrict your souls by holding them accountable and control them by opposition [to their whims].

97 ـ قَيِّدُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ بِالْمُحاسَبَةِ وأمْلِكُوها بِالْمُخالَفَةِ

98 . One who holds himself to account, gains.

98 ـ مَنْ حاسَبَ نَفْسَهُ رَبِـحَ

99 . One who holds himself to account becomes felicitous.

99 ـ مَنْ حاسَبَ نَفْسَهُ سَعِدَ

100 . One who undertakes to hold his soul to account is safe from flattery [and deceit].

100 ـ مَنْ تَعاهَدَ نَفْسَهُ بِالمُحاسَبَةِ أمِنَ فِيها الْمُداهَنَةَ

101 . One who holds himself to account becomes aware of his faults and realizes his sins so he seeks forgiveness for his sins and tries to correct his faults.

101 ـ مَنْ حاسَبَ نَفْسَهُ وَقَفَ عَلى عُيُوبِهِ وأحاطَ بِذُنُوبِهِ واسْتَقالَ الذُّنُوبَ وأصْلَحَ العُيُوبَ

102 . Blessed is the one who has in his soul that which keeps him preoccupied from the [faults of other] people.

102 ـ طُوبى لِمَنْ كانَ لَهُ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ شُغْلٌ شاغِلٌ عَنِ النّاسِ

103 . Blessed is the one who strives to free his soul before the shortness of breath and the severity of despair [at the time of death].

103 ـ طُوبى لِمَنْ سَعى في فَكاكِ نَفْسِهِ قَبْلَ ضِيقِ الأنْفاسِ وشِدَّةِ الإبْلاسِ

104 . Blessed is he who considers himself as low, gains honour through his obedience [to Allah] and becomes free from want through his contentment.

104 ـ طُوبى لِمَنْ ذَلَّ في نَفْسِهِ وعَزَّ بِطاعَتِهِ وغَنِيَ بِقَناعَتِِهِ

105 . Blessed is the one who has in his soul that which keeps him preoccupied [from others] and the people are at ease from him, and who acts in obedience to Allah, the Glorified.

105 ـ طُوبى لِمَنْ كانَ لَهُ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ شُغْلٌ شاغِلٌ، والنّاسُ مِنْهُ في راحَة، وعَمِلَ بِطاعَةِ اللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ

106 . Blessed be the soul that fulfils its duty to its Lord.

106 ـ طُوبى لِنَفْس أدَّتْ إلى رَبِّها فَرْضَها

107 . Purify your souls from the filth of lustful desires and you will attain lofty stations.

107 ـ طَهِّرُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ مِنْ دَنَسِ الشَّهَواتِ تُدْرِكُوا رَفِيعَ الدَّرَجاتِ

108 . Whoever disobeys Allah and obeys Satan has oppressed his soul.

108 ـ ظَلَمَ نَفْسَهُ مَنْ عَصَى اللّهَ وأطاعَ الشَّيْطانَ

109 . Whoever is satisfied with the temporary abode in place of the everlasting abode has oppressed himself.

109 ـ ظَلَمَ نَفْسَهُ مَنْ رَضِيَ بِدارِ الْفَناءِ عِوَضاً عَنْ دارِ الْبَقاءِ

110 . Accustom your soul to virtue, for indeed it will make that which is spoken about you good and will make your reward great.

110 ـ عَوِّدْنَفْسَكَ الْجَميلَ فَإنَّهُ يُجْمِلُ عَنْكَ الأُحْدُوثَةَ ويُجْزِلُ لَكَ المَثُوبَةَ

111 . Accustom yourself to being engrossed in remembrance [of Allah] and repentance, for indeed this will wipe out your sin and make your reward great.

111 ـ عَوِّدْ نَفْسَكَ الاِسْتِهْتارَ بِالذِّكْرِ وَالاِسْتِغْفارِ فَإنَّهُ يَمْحُو عَنْكَ الْحَوْبَةَ وَيُعَظِّمْ لَكَ الْمَثُوبَةَ

112 . Habituate yourself to [performing] noble deeds and bearing the burden of [others’] liabilities, [for through this] your soul will become honourable, your Hereafter will thrive and those who praise you will increase.

112 ـ عَوِّدْ نَفْسَكَ فِعْلَ الْمَكارِمِ وتَحَمُّلَ أعْباءِ الْمَغارِمِ تَشْرُفْ نَفْسُكَ وَتُعْمَرْ آخِرَتُكَ ويَكْثُرْ حامِدُوكَ

113 . Habituate yourself to good intention and virtuous purpose, you will attain success in your aspirations (or endeavours).

113 ـ عَوِّدْ نَفْسَكَ حُسْنَ النِّـيَّةِ وجَمِيلَ الْمَقْصَدِ تُدْرِكْ في مَباغيكَ (مَساعِيكَ) النَّجاحَ

114 . Habituate yourself to forbearance and eschewing importunity, [and as a result] righteousness will adhere to you.

114 ـ عَوِّدْنَفْسَكَ السَّماحَ وتَجَنُّبَ الإلْحاحِ يَلْزَمْكَ الصَّلاحُ

115 . I am amazed at the one who knows himself, how can he feel at ease in the temporary abode [of this world]?!

115 ـ عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ كَيْفَ يَأْنَسُ بِدارِ الْفَناءِ

116 . I am amazed at the one who searches for the thing he has lost while he has lost his own soul and does not seek it!

116 ـ عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ يَنْشُدُ ضالَّتَهُ وقَدْ أضَلَّ نَفْسَهُ فَلا يَطْلُبُها

117 . I am amazed at the one who oppresses his own soul, how can he be fair to others?!

117 ـ عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ يَظْلِمُ نَفْسَهُ كَيْفَ يُنْصِفُ غَيْرَهُ

118 . I am amazed at the one who is ignorant about himself, how can he know his Lord?!

118 ـ عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ يَجْهَلُ نَفْسَهُ كَيْفَ يَعْرِفُ رَبَّهُ

119 . Compel your souls to abandon acts of disobedience and it will become easier for you to lead them towards acts of obedience [and worship].

119 ـ غالِبُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ عَلى تَرْكِ المَعاصِي تَسْهُلْ عَلَيْكُمْ مَقادَتُها عَلَى الطّاعاتِ

120 . Compel your souls to abandon bad habits and you will overcome them; fight against your vain desires and you will gain control over them.

120 ـ غالِبُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ عَلى تَرْكِ العاداتِ تَغْلِبُوها وجاهِدُوا أهْوائَكُمْ تَمْلِكُوها

121 . Perfection of righteousness is in struggling against the [carnal] soul.

121 ـ في مُجاهَدَةِ النَّفْسِ كَمالُ الصَّلاحِ

122 . The guidance of the soul is in opposing it.

122 ـ في خِلافِ النَّفْسِ رُشْدُها

123 . The misguidance of the soul is in obedience to it.

123 ـ في طاعَةِ النَّفْسِ غَيُّها

124 . The corruption of the soul is [caused by] vain desire.

124 ـ فَسادُ النَّفْسِ أَلْهَوى

125 . Your power over your soul is the best power and your authority over it is the best authority.

125 ـ قُدْرَتـُكَ عَلى نَفْسِكَ أفْضَلُ القُدْرَةِ وإمْرَتُكَ عَلَيْها خَيْرُ الإمْرَةِ

126 . How can one who is not content with little have the ability to reform himself?!

126 ـ كَيْفَ يَسْتَطيعُ صَلاحَ نَفْسِهِ مَنْ لايَقْنَعُ بِالقَليلِ؟ !

127 . Being preoccupied with one’s soul is enough to keep a person distracted from the people.

127 ـ كَفى بِالمَرْءِ شُغْلاً بِنَفْسِهِ عَنِ النّاسِ

128 . At the time when you are most confident in your soul be equally cautious (or fearful) of its deception.

128 ـ كُنْ أوْثَقَ ما تَكُونُ بِنَفْسِكَ أحْذَرَ (أخْوَفَ) ما تَكُونُ مِنْ خِداعِها

129 . Be the guardian of your soul, and do with your possessions that which you would like others to do with it.1

129 ـ كُنْ وَصِيَّ نَفْسِكَ وافْعَلْ في مالِكَ ما تُحِبُّ أنْ يَفْعَلَهُ فيهِ غَيْرُكَ

130 . Hold yourself to account and struggle against your evil nature, and beware of blaming your sins on your Lord.

130 ـ كُنْ مُؤاخِذاً نَفْسَكَ مُغالِباً سُوءَ طَبْعِكَ وإيّاكَ أنْ تَحْمِلَ ذُنُوبَكَ عَلى رَبِّكَ

131 . Be a preventer and a forbidder for yourself [from evil], and a suppressor and a subjugator for your wealth (or outburst) during zeal (or anger).

131 ـ كُنْ لِنَفْسِكَ مانِعاً رادِعاً ولِثَرْوَتِكَ (وَلِنَزْوَتِكَ) عِنْدَ الحَمِيَّةِ (الحَفِيظَةِ) واقِماً قامِعاً

132 . The souls have certain evil natures [and characteristics] and wisdom forbids [one from] them.

132 ـ للِنُّفُوسِ طَبايِـعُ سُوء والحِكْمَةُ تَنْهى عَنْها

133 . There is no price for your souls except Paradise, so do not sell them for anything but it.

133 ـ لَيْسَ لأنْفُسِكُمْ ثَمَنٌ إلاّ الجَنَّةُ فَلاتَبيعُوها إلاّ بِها

134 . There is no expectation [of goodness] from the one who wrongs his own soul.

134 ـ لَيْسَ مَنْ أساءَ إلى نَفْسِهِ بِذي مَأْمُول

135 . There is none on the face of this earth more honoured in the sight of Allah, the Glorified, than the soul that is obedient to His commands.

135 ـ لَيْسَ عَلى وَجْهِ الأرْضِ أكْرَمُ عَلَى اللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ مِنَ النَّفْسِ المُطِيعَةِ لأمْرِهِ

136 . One who considers himself to be more [important or powerful than others] becomes less.

136 ـ مَنْ تَكَبَّرَ بِنَفْسِهِ قَلَّ

137 . One who humbles himself is honoured.

137 ـ مَنْ حَقَّرَ نَفْسَهُ عُظِّمَ

138 . One who reforms his soul gains mastery over it.

138 ـ مَنْ أصْلَحَ نَفْسَهُ مَلَكَها

139 . One who neglects his soul destroys it.

139 ـ مَنْ أهْمَلَ نَفْسَهُ أهْلَكَها

140 . One who honours his [carnal] soul is abased by it.

140 ـ مَنْ أكْرَمَ نَفْسَهُ أهانَتْهُ

141 . Whoever trusts his [carnal] soul is betrayed by it.

141 ـ مَنْ وَثِقَ بِنَفْسِهِ خانَتْهُ

142 . Whoever neglects his soul incurs loss.

142 ـ مَنْ أهْمَلَ نَفْسَهُ خَسِرَ

143 . One who knows himself divests himself [of all worldly desires].

143 ـ مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ تَجَرَّدَ

144 . Whoever obeys his soul kills it.

144 ـ مَنْ أطاعَ نَفْسَهُ قَـتَلَها

145 . Whoever disobeys his soul has awarded it.

145 ـ مَنْ عَصى نَفْسَهُ وَصَلَها

146 . One who is ignorant of his soul neglects it.

146 ـ مَنْ جَهِـلَ نَفْسَهُ أهْمَلَها

147 . Whoever considers himself to be great is humiliated.

147 ـ مَنْ عَظَّمَ نَفْسَهُ حُقِّرَ

148 . Whoever protects his soul [from evil] is revered.

148 ـ مَنْ صانَ نَفْسَهُ وُقِّرَ

149 . Whoever controls his [carnal] soul, his affair [and status] is elevated.

149 ـ مَنْ مَلَكَ نَفْسَهُ عَلا أمْرُهُ

150 . Whoever is controlled by his [carnal] soul, his status is lowered.

150 ـ مَنْ مَلَكَتْهُ نَفْسُهُ ذَلَّ قَدْرُهُ

151 . Whoever loathes his [carnal] soul is loved by Allah.

151 ـ مَنْ مَقَتَ نَفْسَهُ أحَبَّهُ اللّهُ

152 . Whoever abases his [carnal] soul is honoured by Allah.

152 ـ مَنْ أهانَ نَفْسَهُ أكْرَمَهُ اللّهُ

153 . Whoever knows himself knows his Lord.

153 ـ مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ عَرَفَ رَبَّهُ

154 . Whoever knows himself, his matter becomes sublime.

154 ـ مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ جَلَّ أمْرُهُ

155 . One who deceives himself cannot [sincerely] advise others.

155 ـ مَنْ غَشَّ نَفْسَهُ لَمْ يَنْصَحْ غَيْرَهُ

156 . One who governs [and trains] his soul has [truly] comprehended [the art of] administration.

156 ـ مَنْ ساسَ نَفْسَهُ أدْرَكَ السِّياسَةَ

157 . Whoever takes care of his soul with vigilance, remains safe.

157 ـ مَنْ تَعاهَدَ نَفْسَهُ بِالحَذَرِ أمِنَ

158 . One who fears for his soul does not oppress others.

158 ـ مَنْ أشْفَقَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ لَمْ يَظْلِمْ غَيْرَهُ

159 . Whoever wrongs his [own] soul, no goodness is expected from him.

159 ـ مَنْ أساءَ إلى نَفْسِهِ لَمْ يُتَوَقَّعْ مِنْهُ جَمِيلٌ

160 . Whoever protects himself from asking others becomes exalted.

160 ـ مَنْ صانَ نَفْسَهُ عَنِ المَسائِلِ جَلَّ

161 . One whose soul is noble, his affection [and compassion] increases.

161 ـ مَنْ شَرُفَتْ نَفْسُهُ كَثُرَتْ عَواطِفُهُ

162 . One who does not govern [and train] his own soul, destroys it.

162 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يَسُسْ نَفْسَهُ أضاعَها

163 . Whoever is displeased with himself pleases his Lord.

163 ـ مَنْ سَخِطَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ أرْضى رَبَّهُ

164 . Whoever is pleased with himself angers his Lord.

164 ـ مَنْ رَضِيَ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ أسْخَطَ رَبَّهُ

165 . Whoever is able to gain control over his [carnal] self has attained the highest degree of strength.

165 ـ مَنْ قَوِيَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ تَناهى فِي القُوَّةِ

166 . Whoever struggles with his soul in order to reform it, becomes felicitous.

166 ـ مَنْ أجْهَدَ نَفْسَهُ في إصْلاحِها سَعِدَ

167 . Whoever neglects his soul [as it indulges] in its pleasures becomes wretched and distanced [from the mercy of Allah].

167 ـ مَنْ أهْمَلَ نَفْسَهُ في لَذّاتِها شَقِيَ وبَعُدَ

168 . One who does not struggle against his [carnal] soul in his young age does not become noble in is old age.

168 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُجْهِدْ نَفْسَهُ في صِغَرِهِ لَمْ يَنْبُلْ في كِبَرِهِ

169 . Whoever continually disciplines his soul derives [great] benefit.

169 ـ مَنِ اسْتَدامَ رِياضَةَ نَفْسِِهِ اِنْتَفَعَ

170 . Whoever is pleased with himself, many are angry with him.

170 ـ مَنْ رَضِيَ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ كَثُرَ السّاخِطُ عَلَيْهِ

171 . Whoever indulges his soul in that which it loves, its wretchedness in that which it does not love gets prolonged.

171 ـ مَنْ سامَحَ نَفْسَهُ فيما تُحِبُّ طالَ شَقاؤُها فيما لاتُحِبُّ

172 . Whoever preoccupies himself with that which is not necessary, lets the matters that are obligatory slip by.

172 ـ مَنْ شَغَلَ نَفْسَهُ بِما لايَجِبْ ضَيَّعَ مِنْ أمْرِهِ ما يَجِبُ

173 . Whoever holds himself accountable preserves his standing and the outcomes of his affair are praised.

173 ـ مَنْ واخَذَ نَفْسَهُ صانَ قَدْرَهُ وحُمِدَ عَواقِبُ أمْرِهِ

174 . Whoever neglects his soul corrupts his affair.

174 ـ مَنْ أهْمَلَ نَفْسَهُ أفْسَدَ أمْرَهُ

175 . Whoever commands you to reform yourself is most deserving of your obedience.

175 ـ مَنْ أمَرَكَ بِإصْلاحِ نَفْسِكَ فَهُوَ أحَقُّ مَنْ تُطيعُهُ

176 . Whoever scrutinizes himself remains safe from the scrutiny of others.

176 ـ مَنِ اسْتَقْصى عَلى نَفْسِهِ أمِنَ اسْتِقْصاءَ غَيْرِهِ عَلَيْهِ

177 . Whoever oppresses himself is more oppressive to others.

177 ـ مَنْ ظَلَمَ نَفْسَهُ كانَ لِغَيْرِهِ أظْلَمَ

178 . Whoever is great in his own eyes is low in the sight of Allah.

178 ـ مَنْ كانَ عِنْدَ نَفْسِهِ عَظِيماً كانَ عِنْدَ اللّهِ حَقِيراً

179 . One who is ignorant about himself is more ignorant about others.

179 ـ مَنْ جَهِلَ نَفْسَهُ كانَ بِغَيْرِ نَفْسِهِ أجْهَلَ

180 . Whoever is miserly with himself is more miserly with others.

180 ـ مَنْ بَخِلَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ كانَ عَلى غَيرِهِ أبْخَلَ

181 . One whose soul is honourable endeavours to purify it from the lowliness of worldly pursuits.

181 ـ مَنْ شَرُفَتْ نَفْسُهُ نَزَّهَها عَنْ دَناءَةِ الْمَطالِبِ

182 . One who knows the value of his soul does not abase it with transient things.

182 ـ مَنْ عَرَفَ قَدْرَ نَفْسِهِ لَمْ يُهِنْها بِالفانِياتِ

183 . Whoever troubles himself with that which does not benefit him gets caught in that which harms him.

183 ـ مَنْ أتْعَبَ نَفْسَهُ فيما لايَنْفَعُهُ وَقَعَ فيما يَضُرُّهُ

184 . One whose soul is content is assisted by it to become pure and remain chaste.

184 ـ مَنْ قَنِعَتْ نَفْسُهُ أعانَتْهُ عَلَى النَّزاهَةِ والعَفافِ

185 . One whose soul is noble finds it easy to give generously and help others.

185 ـ مَنْ كَرُمَتْ نَفْسُهُ اِسْتَهانَ بِالبَذْلِ والإسْعافِ

186 . One who considers his soul to be honourable does not abase it by sinning.

186 ـ مَنْ كَرُمَتْ عَلَيْهِ نَفْسُهُ لَمْ يُهِنْها بِالمَعْصِيَةِ

187 . One whose soul is vigilant and careful has protectors from Allah watching over him.

187 ـ مَنْ كانَ لَهُ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ يَقْظَةٌ كانَ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ اللّهِ حَفَظَةٌ

188 . One who knows himself understands others better.

188 ـ مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ فَهُوَ لِغَيْرِهِ أعْرَفُ

189 . One who considers his soul to be honourable, his [lustful] desires become insignificant to him.

189 ـ مَنْ كَرُمَتْ عَلَيْهِ نَفْسُهُ هانَتْ عَلَيْهِ شَهْوَتُهُ

190 . One who is lenient with his soul in that which he loves is troubled by it in that which he hates.

190 ـ مَنْ سامَحَ نَفْسَهُ فيما يُحِبُّ أتْعَبَهُ فيما يَكْرَهُ

191 . Whoever accuses himself has indeed overpowered Satan.

191 ـ مَنِ اتَّهَمَ نَفْسَهُ فَقَدْ غالَبَ الشَّيْطانَ

192 . Whoever opposes his [carnal] soul has indeed defeated Satan.

192 ـ مَنْ خالَفَ نَفْسَهُ فَقَد غَلَبَ الشَّيْطانَ

193 . Whoever obeys his soul in its lustful desires has indeed helped to destroy it.

193 ـ مَنْ أطاعَ نَفْسَهُ في شَهَواتِها فَقدْ أعانَها عَلى هُلْكِها

194 . Whoever is pleased with himself, his flaws become known.

194 ـ مَنْ رَضِيَ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ ظَهَرَتْ عَلَيْهِ المَعائِبُ

195 . Whoever reprimands his soul for [its] faults, it is deterred from many of the sins.

195 ـ مَنْ وَبَّخَ نَفْسَهُ عَلَى العُيُوبِ اِرْتَعَدَتْ عَنْ كَثيرِ الذُّنُوبِ

196 . One who has in his soul a restrainer [from evil], has a protector over him from Allah.

196 ـ مَنْ كانَ لَهُ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ زاجِرٌ كانَ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ اللّهِ حافِظٌ

197 . Whoever knows himself has indeed attained the highest goal of every cognizance and knowledge.

197 ـ مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ فَقَدِ انْتَهى إلى غايَةِ كُلِّ مَعْرِفَة وعِلْم

198 . One who does not discipline [and purify] his soul, will not benefit from the intellect.

198 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُهَذِّبْ نَفْسَهُ لَمْ يَنْتَفِعْ بِالعَقْلِ

199 . Whoever does not benefit from his [own] soul, people do not benefit from him.

199 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يَنْتَفِعْ بِنَفْسِهِ لَمْ يَنْتَفِعْ بِهِ النّاسُ

200 . One who does not humble himself in his own eyes will not be elevated in the sight of others.

200 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يَتَّضِعْ عِنْدَ نَفْسِهِ لَمْ يَرْتَفِعْ عِنْدَ غَيْرِهِ

201 . One who does not reform himself cannot reform others.

201 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُصْلِحْ نَفْسَهُ لَمْ يُصْلِحْ غَيْرَهُ

202 . One whom Allah does not help [to fight] against his [carnal] soul will not benefit from the advice of the adviser.

202 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُعِنْهُ اللّهُ عَلى نَفْسِهِ لَمْ يَنْتَفِعْ بِمَوْعِظَةِ واعِظ

203 . One who leaves his [carnal] soul free [to do as it wills] will be taken by it to the paths of darkness [and evil].

203 ـ مَنْ رَخَّصَ لِنَفْسِهِ ذَهَبَتْ بِهِ في مَذاهِبِ الظُّلْمَةِ

204 . Whoever deals leniently with [and flatters] his soul, it makes him rush towards forbidden sins.

204 ـ مَنْ داهَنَ نَفْسَهُ هَجَمَتْ بِهِ عَلَى المَعاصِى المُحَرَّمَةِ

205 . Whoever does not set right his soul by reforming it, his malady becomes worse and curing it becomes impossible, and he will not find any physician [who can treat it].

205 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يَتَدارَكْ نَفْسَهُ بِإصْلاحِها أعْضَلَ داؤُهُ وأعْيى شِفاؤُهُ وعَدِمَ الطَّبيبَ

206 . One whose grief over his soul is prolonged in this world, Allah will give him delight on the Day of Resurrection and put him in the Eternal Abode [in Paradise].

206 ـ مَنْ طالَ حُزْنُهُ عَلى نَفْسِهِ فيِ الدُّنيا أقَـرَّ اللّهُ عَيْنَهُ يَوْمَ القِيامَةِ وأحَلَّهُ دارَ المُقامَةِ

207 . Whoever preoccupies himself with other than his [own] soul falters in the darkness and becomes entangled in [a web of] destruction.

207 ـ مَنْ شَغَلَ نَفْسَهُ بِغَيْرِ نَفْسِهِ تَحَيَّرَ فِي الظُّلُماتِ وارْتَبَكَ فِي الهَلَكاتِ

208 . One who does not know himself is distanced from the path of salvation and stumbles in misguidance and ignorance.

208 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يَعْرِفْ نَفْسَهُ بَعُدَ عَنْ سَبيلِ النَّجاةِ وخَبَطَ فيِ الضَّلالِ وَالجَهالاتِ

209 . One who advises [and admonishes] himself is worthy of giving advice to others.

209 ـ مَنْ نَصَحَ نَفْسَهُ كانَ جَديراً بِنُصْحِ غَيْرِهِ

210 . One who deceives himself is more deceitful with others.

210 ـ مَنْ غَشَّ نَفْسَهُ كانَ أغَشَّ لِغَيْرِهِ

211 . One whose soul is honourable, his dissension and disagreement [with the people] is reduced.

211 ـ مَنْ كَرُمَتْ نَفْسُهُ قَلَّ شِقاقُهُ وخِلافُهُ

212 . Whoever blames his soul, reforms it.

212 ـ مَنْ ذَمَّ نَفْسَهُ أصْلَحَها

213 . Whoever praises his soul, slays it.

213 ـ مَنْ مَدَحَ نَفْسَها ذَبَحَها

214 . One whose soul is honourable, this world becomes insignificant in his eyes.

214 ـ مَنْ كَرُمَتْ نَفْسُهُ صَغُرَتِ الدُّنيا في عَيْنِهِ

215 . Whoever sells his soul for other than the bliss of Paradise has indeed oppressed it.

215 ـ مَنْ باعَ نَفْسَهُ بِغَيْرِ نَعِيمِ الجَنَّةِ فَقَدْ ظَلَمَها

216 . One who does not discipline his soul is disgraced by [its] bad habits.

216 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُهَذِّبْ نَفْسَهُ فَضَحَهُ سُوءُ العادَةِ

217 . One who thinks good of his [own] soul has indeed done more harm to it.

217 ـ مَنْ ظَنَّ بِنَفْسِهِ خَيْراً فَقَدْ أوْسَعَها ضَيْراً

218 . Being obedient [to Allah] is from the nobility of the soul.

218 ـ مِنْ كَرَمِ النَّفْسِ العَمَلُ بِالطَّاعَةِ

219 . Being obedient [to Allah] is from the God-wariness of the soul.

219 ـ مِنْ تَقْوَى النَّفْسِ العَمَلُ بِالطّاعَةِ

220 . Hastening towards obedience [of Allah] is a merit of the soul.

220 ـ مِنْ فَضيلَةِ النَّفْسِ المُسارَعَةُ إلَى الطّاعَةِ

221 . Being satisfied at all times is a sign of an honourable soul.

221 ـ مِنْ عِزِّ النَّفْسِ لُزُومُ القَناعَةِ

222 . None abases his [carnal] soul but the intelligent one.

222 ـ ما حَقَّرَ نَفْسَهُ إلاّ عاقِلٌ

223 . None considers himself to be imperfect [and disparages his carnal soul] but the perfect one.

223 ـ ما نَقَّصَ نَفْسَهُ إلاّ كامِلٌ

224 . One who sincerely advises others does not deceive himself.

224 ـ ما أغَشَّ نَفْسَهُ مَنْ يَنْصَحُ غَيْرَهُ

225 . How blind is the covetous soul to the terrible [and painful] end [it will face]!

225 ـ ما أعْمَى النَّفْسَ الطّامِعَةَ عَنِ العُقْبَى الفاجِعَةِ

226 . mankind, what has made you pleased with the destruction of your soul? Is there no cure from your ailment and no awakening from your slumber?! Do you not feel compassion for yourself as you have mercy on others?

226 ـ ما آنَسَكَ أيُّهَا الإنْسانُ بِهَلَكَةِ نَفْسِكَ أما مِنْ دائِكَ بُلُولٌ أمْ لَيْسَ لَكَ مِنْ نَوْمَتِكَ يَقْظَةٌ أما تَرْحَمُ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ ما تُرْحَمُ مِنْ غَيْرِكَ

227 . No servant considers his soul to be honourable but that the world becomes lowly [and insignificant] in his eyes.

227 ـ ما كَرُمَتْ عَلى عَبْد نَفْسُهُ إلاّ هانَتِ الدُّنيا في عَيْنِهِ

228 . Cognizance of the self is the most beneficial of all [types of] knowledge.

228 ـ مَعْرِفَةُ النَّفْسِ أنْفَعُ المَعارِفِ

229 . Your [carnal] soul is the closest of all your enemies.

229 ـ نَفْسُكَ أقْرَبُ أعْدائِكَ إلَيْكَ

230 . Purify your soul of every lowly trait even if it drives you towards the things that you desire.

230 ـ نَزِّهْ نَفْسَكَ عَنْ كُلِّ دَنِيَّة، وإنْ ساقَتْكَ إلَى الرَّغائِبِ

231 . Introspection turns one’s attention to self-reformation.

231 ـ نَظَرُ النَّفْسِ لِلنَّفْسِ العِنايَةُ بِصَلاحِ النَّفْسِ

232 . One who is successful in knowing himself has achieved the greatest success.

232 ـ نالَ الفَوْزَ الأكْبَرَ مَنْ ظَفِرَ بِمَعْرِفَةِ النَّفْسِ

233 . Purify your souls from the filth of [forbidden] pleasures and the evil consequences of lustful desires.

233 ـ نَزِّهُو ا أنْفُسَكُمْ عَنْ دَنَسِ اللَّذّاتِ وتَبِعاتِ الشَّهَواتِ

234 . Your [carnal] soul is a hostile enemy and an aggressive adversary, if you are unmindful of it, it will kill you.

234 ـ نَفْسُكَ عَدُوٌّ مُحارِبٌ، وضِدٌّ مُواثِبٌ إنْ غَفَلْتَ عَنْها قَتَلَتْكَ

235 . Lower yourself from your [rightful] position and people will raise you higher than your rightful position.

235 ـ نَزِّلْ نَفْسَكَ دُونَ مَنْزِلَتِها تُنَزِّلْكَ النّاسُ فَوْقَ مَنْزِلَتِكَ

236 . The souls of the virtuous are averse to the souls of the wicked.

236 ـ نُفُوسُ الأبْرارِ نافِرَةٌ مِنْ نُفُوسِ الأشْرارِ

237 . Purify your soul from every vileness and make an effort to perform every noble deed, you will become free from sins and will achieve noble qualities.

237 ـ نَزِّهْ عَنْ كُلِّ دَنِيَّة نَفْسَكَ، وابْذُلْ فِي المَكارِمِ جُهْدَكَ، تَخْلُصْ مِنَ المَـآثِمِ، وتُحْرِزِ المَكارِمَ

238 . The souls of the virtuous are repulsed by the actions of the wicked.

238 ـ نُفُوسُ الأبْرارِ تَأْبى أفْعالَ الفُجّارِ

239 . The one who is pleased with himself and relies on that which his soul has made decorous for him, is destroyed.

239 ـ هَلَكَ مَنْ رَضِيَ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ، ووَثِقَ بِما تُسَوِّلُهُ لَهُ

240 . The ardent desire of the soul for [forbidden] pleasures misguides and destroys.

240 ـ وُلُوعُ النَّفْسِ بِاللَّذّاتِ يُغْوي ويُرْدي

241 . Maintain your self-respect by keeping away from jokes, funny narrations and useless speech.

241 ـ وَقِّرُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ عَنِ الفُكاهاتِ، ومَضاحِكِ الحِكاياتِ، وَمَحالِ التُّرَّهاتِ

242 . Safeguard yourself from the fire whose fuel is men and stones by advancing towards obedience to Allah, eschewing His disobedience and seeking His pleasure.

242 ـ وَقِّ نَفْسَكَ ناراً وَقُودُهَا النّاسُ والحِجارَةُ بِمُبادَرَتِكَ إلى طاعَةِ اللّهِ، وتَجَنُّبِكَ مَعاصِيَهُ، وتَوَخّيكَ رِضاهُ

243 . Do not sanction for yourself that [action] which you would disapprove of from others.

243 ـ لاتَسْتَحْسِنْ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ مامِنْ غَيْرِكَ تَسْتَنْكِرُهُ

244 . Do not permit yourself to engage in any evil speech or action.

244 ـ لاتُرَخِّصْ لِنَفْسِكَ في شَيْء مِنْ سَيِّءِ الأقْوالِ والأفْعالِ

245 . Do not have fear of injustice from your Lord but fear the injustice of yourselves.

245 ـ لا تَخافُوا ظُلْمَ رَبِّكُمْ ولكِنْ خافُوا ظُلْمَ أنْفُسِكُمْ

246 . Do not be lenient with your [carnal] soul when it entices you.

246 ـ لاتَحْلُمْ عَنْ نَفْسِكَ إذا هِيَ أغْوَتْكَ

247 . Do not defy your soul when it guides you to the right path.

247 ـ لاتَعْصِ نَفْسَكَ إذا هِيَ أرْشَدَتْكَ

248 . Do not let your soul be devoid of a thought that increases your wisdom and a lesson that safeguards you [from sin].

248 ـ لاتُخِلْ نَفْسَكَ مِنْ فِكْرَة تَزيدُكَ حِكْمَةً وعِبْرَة تُفيدُكَ عِصْمَةً

249 . Never seek the obedience of others while your [own] soul refuses to obey you.

249 ـ لاتَطْلُبَنَّ طاعَةَ غَيْرِكَ وطاعَةُ نَفْسِكَ عَلَيْكَ مُمْتَنِعَةٌ

250 . Do not be ignorant of yourself for indeed the one who is ignorant about himself is ignorant about everything.

250 ـ لاتَجْهَلْ نَفْسَكَ فَإنَّ الجاهِلَ مَعْرِفَةَ نَفْسِهِ جاهِلٌ بِكُلِّ شَيْء

251 . Do not abandon struggle in reforming yourself, for indeed nothing but diligence will assist you [to achieve this].

251 ـ لاتَتْرُكِ الاِجْتِهادَ في إصْلاحِ نَفْسِكَ فَإنَّهُ لايُعْينُكَ إلاّ الجِدُّ

252 . Never declare war against Allah for there is no power that can protect you from His wrath and you can never be free from need for His mercy.

252 ـ لاتَنْصَبَنَّ نَفْسَكَ لِحَرْبِ اللّهِ فَلايَدَ لَكَ بِنَقْمَتِهِ ولاغِنى بِكَ عَنْ رَحْمَتِهِ

253 . Do not permit yourself to submit to vain desires or to prefer the pleasures of this world such that your faith gets corrupted and cannot be reformed and your soul loses and does not gain.

253 ـ لاتُرَخِّصْ لِنَفْسِكَ في مُطاوَعَةِ الهَوى وإيثارِ لَذّاتِ الدُّنيا فَيَفْسُدَ دينُكَ ولايَصْلُحَ وتَخْسُرَ نَفْسُكَ ولا تَرْبَحَ

254 . Do not surrender yourself to the deception of covetousness and do not respond to the call of greed, for indeed these two [traits] reap wretchedness and disgrace.

254 ـ لاتُمَلِّكْ نَفْسَكَ بِغُرُورِ الطَّمَعِ ولاتُجِبْ دَواعِيَ الشَّرَهِ فَإنَّهُما يَكْسِبانِكَ الشَّقاءَ والذُّلَّ

255 . One who cannot control his [carnal] soul is not safe from [the wrath and punishment of] Allah.2

255 ـ لايَسْلَمُ عَلَى اللّهِ مَنْ لايَمْلِكُ نَفْسَهُ

256 . A person has no enemy worse than his [own carnal] soul.

256 ـ لاعَدُوَّ أعْدى عَلَى المَرْءِ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ

257 . The soul does not become devoid of hope until it comes upon death.

257 ـ لاتَخْلُو النَّفْسُ مِنَ الأمَلِ حَتّى تَدْخُلَ فِي الأجَلِ

258 . There is none stronger than he who overpowers his soul thereby gaining mastery over it.

258 ـ لاقَوِيَ أقْوى مِمَّنْ قَوِيَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ فَمَلَكَها

259 . There is no one more powerless than he who neglects his soul thereby destroying it.

259 ـ لاعاجِزَ أعْجَزُ مِمَّنْ أهْمَلَ نَفْسَهُ فَأهْلَكَها

260 . It behoves the one who knows himself to espouse contentment and chastity.

260 ـ يَنْبَغي لِمَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ أنْ يَلْزَمَ القَناعَةَ والعِفَّةَ

261 . It behoves the one who knows the honour [and value] of his soul to purify it from the lowliness of this world.

261 ـ يَنْبَغي لِمَنْ عَلِمَ شَرَفَ نَفْسِهِ أنْ يُنَزِّهَها عَنْ دَنائَةِ الدُّنيا

262 . It behoves the one who knows himself not to separate [himself] from sadness and caution.

262 ـ يَنْبَغي لِمَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ أنْ يُفارِقَهُ الحُزْنُ والحَذَرُ

263 . It behoves a man to guard his soul, watch over his heart and protect his tongue.

263 ـ يَنْبَغي أنْ يَكُونَ الرَّجُلُ مُهَيْمِناً عَلى نَفْسِهِ، مُراقِباً قَلْبَهُ حافِظاً لِسانَهُ

264 . It behoves the one who wants to reform himself and protect his religion to avoid mingling with people who seek [the wealth and pleasures of] this world.

264 ـ يَنْبَغي لِمَنْ أرادَ صَلاحَ نَفْسِهِ وإحْرازَ دينِهِ أنْ يَجْتَنِبَ مُخالَطَةَ أبْناءِالدُّنْيا

265 . It behoves the one who knows himself not to be separated from caution and regret out of fear of falling into error.

265 ـ يَنْبَغي لِمَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ أنْ لايُفارِقَهُ الحَذَرُ وَالنَّدَمُ خَوْفاً أنْ تَزِلَّ بِهِ القَدَمُ

266 . How befitting it is for a person to have a fixed time, when he is not distracted by anything, in which he holds his soul to account and looks at what he has earned for and against it in its night-time and daytime.

266 ـ ما أحَقَّ الإنْسانَ أنْ تَكُونَ لَهُ ساعَةٌ لايَشْغَلُهُ عَنْها شاغِلٌ يُحاسِبُ فيها نَفْسَهُ فَيَنْظُرَ فيمَا اكْتَسَبَ لَها وعَلَيْها في لَيْلِها ونَهارِها

267 . None is enviable except the one whose endeavour is [to purify] his soul and who does not neglect to regularly hold it to account, demand answers from it and struggle against it.

267 ـ مَا المَغْبُوطُ إلاّ مَنْ كانَتْ هِمَّتُهُ نَفْسَهُ لايُغِبُّها عَنْ مُحاسَبَتِها وَمُطالَبَتِها ومُجاهَدَتِها

268 . A person’s rebuking [and finding fault with] his own soul is evidence of the soundness of his intellect and the symbol of his abundant merit.

268 ـ إزْراءُ الرَّجُلِ عَلى نَفْسِهِ بُرهانُ رَزانَةِ عَقْلِهِ، وعُنْوانُ وُفُورُ فَضْلِهِ

269 . The greatest mastery is mastery over the soul.

269 ـ أعْظَمُ مِلْك مِلْكُ النَّفْسِ

270 . Control the passion of your soul, the intensity of your rage, the power of your hand and the sharpness of your tongue, and guard against all these by delaying the initiation of any action and refraining from using force until your rage subsides and you recover your senses.

270 ـ اِمْلِكْ حَمِيَّةَ نَفْسِكَ، وسَوْرَةَ غَضَبِكَ، وَسَطْوَةَ يَدِكَ، وغَرْبَ لِسانِكَ، واحْتَرِسْ في ذلِكَ كُلِّهِ بِتَأخِيرِ البادِرَةِ، وكَفِّ السَّطْوَةِ، حَتّى يَسْكُنَ غَضَبُكَ، ويَثُوبَ إلَيْكَ عَقْلُكَ

271 . Take control over your vain desires and the distress of your soul, for indeed the distress of the soul lies in acting equitably in [both] the things which it loves and [in those which it] hates.

271 ـ اِمْلِكْ عَلَيْكَ هَواكَ وشَجى نَفْسِكَ، فَإنَّ شَجَى النَّفْسِ اَلإنْصافُ مِنْها فيما أحَبَّتْ وكَرِهَتْ

272 . The one who keeps his soul steadfast against the temptations of worldly pleasures is a master [over it] and the one who neglects it is destroyed.

272 ـ ضابِطُ نَفْسِهِ عَنْ دَواعِي اللَّذّاتِ مالِكٌ وَمُهْمِلُها هالِكٌ

273 . Self-restraint during times of anger saves one from situations that lead to harm.

273 ـ ضَبْطُ النَّفْسِ عِنْدَ حادِثِ الغَضَبِ يُؤْمِنُ مَواقِعَ العَطَبِ

274 . Self-restraint during desire and fear is from the most excellent etiquette.

274 ـ ضَبْطُ النَّفْسِ عِنْدَ الرَّغَبِ والرَّهَبِ مِنْ أفْضَلِ الأدَبِ

275 . Every person who relies on himself [instead of Allah] is thrown [into destruction].

275 ـ كُلُّ مُعْتَمَد عَلى نَفْسِهِ مُلْقىً

276 . Whoever is deceived by his soul is delivered by it to places of destruction.

276 ـ مَنِ اغْتَرَّ بِنَفْسِهِ أسْلَمَتْهُ إلَى المَعاطِبِ

Notes

1. Meaning give charity from it during your lifetime and do not leave this for others to do after your death.

2. Or: One who cannot control his [carnal] soul does not submit to Allah.