just as he is commanded to struggle against those who command sinful acts and call others to them. Yet his need to struggle against his own soul is greater, for this is an individual obligation, whereas the other is a collective obligation. Perseverance in this is among the finest deeds, for this struggle is the very essence of that other struggle: whoever perseveres in it will persevere in the other.

As he said:

“The emigrant is the one who abandons evil deeds.”

In this struggle, however, a person is praiseworthy only if he prevails, unlike in the former, for:

“Whoever is killed or prevails, We shall grant him a great reward.”

For this reason, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The strong man is not the one who overpowers others in wrestling,”

and so on.

This is because Allah has commanded a person to restrain his soul from its desires and to fear standing before his Lord. He thus acquires faith that helps him in this struggle. If he is overcome, it is because his faith is weak, and he is therefore remiss in neglecting what he was commanded to do. This is unlike facing a disbelieving enemy, whose body may be stronger. Sins occur only when the soul fails to comply with what it has been commanded to do. When it complies with the command, it does not commit what is forbidden, for the two are opposites.

Allah Most High said:

“Thus We would turn evil away from him,”

and the rest of the verse.

And he said—may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“Indeed, My servants—you have no authority over them.”

Thus Satan does not lead Allah’s sincere servants astray. Going astray is the opposite of following right guidance; it consists in following one’s desires. Whoever finds his soul inclining toward something forbidden should worship Allah as Allah has commanded, devoting his religion sincerely to Him. This will turn evil and indecency away from him. … (1) out of fear and love; and worship is for Him