Training the nafs
The practical science of disciplining the commanding self.
About 30 minutes of listening
Book 22: The Book of Disciplining the Soul
Imam al-Ghazali · Ihya' 'Ulum al-Din
The twenty-second book of the Ihya presents the methods of training and disciplining the lower self (nafs), transforming blameworthy character traits into praiseworthy ones through sustained spiritual effort.
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From The Book of Disciplining the Soul.
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"This is a high rank, attained only by the devout and the truthful. Chapter: Explaining the Path to Training Children at an Early Age and the Method of Disciplining Them and Improving Their Morals Understand that training children is among the most crucial and essential responsibilities. Children are a trust bestowed upon their parents, and their pure hearts are like precious, unblemished jewels."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 22: The Book of Disciplining the Soul
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"Similarly, anger and desire can be managed. While entirely suppressing them is impossible, disciplining and guiding them through training is achievable. We are commanded to do so, and it becomes the cause of our salvation and our arrival unto Allah, exalted is He. Innate tendencies differ; some are quick to accept change, others slow, due to two reasons: One is the strength of innate predisposition due to the nature of creation and the duration of existence."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 22: The Book of Disciplining the Soul
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"The book of "The Marvels of the Heart" concludes here, with praise and gratitude to God. It is followed by the book of "Disciplining the Soul, Refining Morals," with all praise due to God alone, and prayers upon all His chosen servants. The Book of Disciplining the Soul, Refining Morals, and Treating the Diseases of the Heart This is the second book of the quarter on destructive matters."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 22: The Book of Disciplining the Soul · playable in the free preview