The nafs harbours many traits which, if left untamed, can drive a person to destructive habits. The nafs has the potential to run wild with greed, desire, envy, fear, cowardice, and also stinginess. Incredibly, charity is a remedy against many of these vices – and so Allah prescribes it for our own good. In Surah al-Hashr, it mentions how the Ansar of Madinah gave the Muhajirin (emigrants from Makkah) from their wealth and possessions – even though they were in need themselves!

“And they gave them preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from the stinginess of his own soul, then such are they who will be the successful.” [59: 9]

Nobody said it would be easy to give when your nafs is holding on with all its claws. Nobody said the straight path was an easy one especially when faced with an unruly soul. So, when you are asked to donate or give from what you love and you feel a pinch deep within you, that’s the best time to give because you’ll be removing the nafs and ego – one claw at a time.

As Ramadan comes to an end, I pray that every penny you’ve spent has sent your rank higher and lowered your nafs back under control. I pray that every prayer has elevated you and every du’a has been heard. I pray that your fast was witnessed and untold rewards have been amassed for you. Taqabbal’Allahu minna wa minkum!

Eid Mubarak