18/04/2025
Islamic Teachings on Controlling Desire.
1. Recognize Desires as a Test from Allah
Allah says in the Quran:
>And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. (Quran 51:56)
- Desires (for food, wealth, intimacy, etc.) are natural, but they must be controlled within Islamic boundaries.
- The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
>"The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever." (Muslim)
- This means a Muslim must restrain unlawful desires while the disbeliever follows them freely.
2. Follow the Halal and Avoid the Haram
- Allah allows permissible (*halal*) enjoyment but forbids excess and *haram*:
"O you who have believed, do not prohibit the good things which Allah has made lawful to you and do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors."(Quran 5:87)
- Fulfill desires in lawful ways (e.g., marriage for sexual desires, halal income for wealth).
3. Practice Sabr (Patience) and Taqwa (God-Consciousness)
- Allah commands:
>And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways." (Quran 29:69)
- The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
>Whoever safeguards what is between his jaws (tongue) and what is between his legs (private parts), I guarantee him Paradise. (Bukhari)
How to apply this:
- Fast (*Sawm*) to control hunger and desires (especially recommended fasting on Mondays & Thursdays).
- Lower the gaze to avoid lustful thoughts (Quran 24:30).
- Avoid free mixing (*Ikhtilat*) and inappropriate environments.
4. Increase in Worship & Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr)
- The more you remember Allah, the weaker sinful desires become:
>Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest."(Quran 13:28)
Practical steps:
- Pray *Salah* on time (especially *Fajr* and *Isha*).
- Read Quran daily (even a few verses).
- Make *Istighfar* (seeking forgiveness) to weaken Shaytan’s influence.
5. Dua (Supplication) for Self-Control
- The Prophet (ﷺ) taught:
> **"O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I hear, what I see, what I speak, what I think, and from the evil of my soul."** (Abu Dawud)
Powerful Duas:**
- **"Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min munkarat al-akhlaq, wal-a’mal, wal-ahwa’"**
(*"O Allah, I seek refuge in You from evil character, deeds, and desires."*)
- **"Rabbanā lā tuzigh qulūbanā ba’da idh hadaytanā"**
(*"Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us."*) (Quran 3:8)
6. Avoid Triggers & Bad Company**
- The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
> **"A man is upon the religion of his best friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends."** (Abu Dawud)
- Stay away from environments that incite desires (e.g., inappropriate media, gossip circles).
7. Remember Death & the Hereafter (Akhirah)
- The Prophet (ﷺ) advised:
> **"Remember often the destroyer of pleasures: death."** (Tirmidhi)
- Ask yourself: *"Will this desire benefit me on the Day of Judgment?"*
Special Cases: Controlling Sexual Desires**
- For unmarried Muslims:
- **Fast** (as the Prophet ﷺ advised young men).
- **Engage in sports or productive work** to redirect energy.
- **Lower the gaze** and avoid *fitna* (temptation).
- For married Muslims:
- Fulfill desires lawfully with one’s spouse.
**Final Advice**
- **Balance is key:**
Islam does not demand complete suppression of desires but teaches moderation.
- **Repent quickly if you slip:
Allah’s mercy is vast for those who turn back.
- **Seek knowledge:**
The more you learn about Islam, the stronger your willpower becomes.
May Allah (SWT) grant us the strength to control our desires and remain steadfast on His path. Ameen.
