Then He explained that it is the person’s soul that commits betrayal, just as it is the soul that causes harm. For this originates in its desires, not in what reason and sound judgment command. Foolishness likewise originates in the soul because of its fickleness and impetuosity. A person’s soul secretly urges him to do things that reason and religion forbid, thus betraying and overpowering him. This occurs frequently in matters of sexual intercourse and wealth. Hence, most people cannot be trusted in these matters; rather, one seeks to entrust them to someone whose soul does not urge him to betray that trust.

Sa‘īd ibn al-Musayyib said:

“Were I entrusted with a treasury, I would faithfully discharge that trust. But were I entrusted with a black woman, I would fear failing to discharge my trust concerning her.”

Likewise, wealth cannot be entrusted to those whose souls are eager to acquire it by whatever means. All this demonstrates that the soul betrays its trust. Even if a man initially has no intention of betrayal, his soul drives him to it without his bidding and overcomes his judgment. This is why a person blames and censures his soul for it, saying, “It is this soul that has done it all!” For it is the soul that has committed betrayal.

Section

His words:

“And do not argue on behalf of those who betray themselves”

indicate that it is not permissible to argue on behalf of a betrayer, nor may a person argue in defence of his own soul if it is