—of an exalted character (4) [Sūrat al-Qalam]. His character, ﷺ, was the Qur’an itself.

2 – “O Allah, keep me away from reprehensible morals.”
Keeping something away means placing a distance between it and oneself. “Reprehensible morals” are the blameworthy, repugnant traits such as envy, rancor, deceit, hardness of heart, stinginess, cowardice, panic, and the like—qualities condemned by both the Sacred Law and sound reason. When a Muslim discards these vile attributes and then adorns himself with those that are praiseworthy in the sight of revelation and reason—clemency, forgiveness, generosity, patience, mercy, compassion, enduring harm, helping others, filial piety, beneficence, and the like—his character is complete.
Reprehensible morals spring from a diseased heart, just as noble morals arise from one that is sound.

3 – As for the “reprehensible deeds,” they are the major sins along with persistence in the minor ones. The Muslim must abandon them, seeking Allah’s help to do so, and instead adorn himself with virtuous deeds: performing the obligatory acts, being keen on the recommended ones, and amassing al-bāqiyāt al-ṣāliḥāt (the everlasting good deeds). When he does that, his faith is perfected.

4 – The “desires” (ahwāʾ) intended here are the destructive passions that lead one to commit sins and plunge into acts of disobedience that the soul covets, even though within those very passions lies its ruin. Thus the Muslim must struggle against the soul that incites to evil until it becomes compliant, tranquil, and easy to steer, so that its yearning is directed toward obeying Allah Most High in a state of complete faith, comprehensive Islam, and nearness-bringing excellence.

5 – The “diseases” are infirmities. Bodily diseases include severe illnesses such as leprosy, cancer, and pleurisy; the diseases of the heart come from lusts—namely sins—and from doubts—namely innovations. We ask Allah for safety and well-being.