Do not be a slave to your desires | The Sunday Guardian | October 23rd, 2011 | Page 15
Desires are an integral part of human nature. Man has a strong tilt towards fulfilling his desires and this is his greatest weakness.
Pointing out the gravity of this failing, the chapter entitled Al-Jathiyah (Kneeling) of the Quran admonishes us on this subject in alarming terms: "Consider the one who has taken his own desire as a deity, whom God allows to stray in the face of knowledge, sealing his ears and heart and covering his eyes — who can guide such a person after God (has abandoned him)? Will you not take heed?" (45:23)
Desire is an essential part of one's personality. But it is like grease to an engine and not like the driver of that engine. Desire can serve as a motive force, but mindless yielding to desire will lead to disaster. If you want to be successful, try to steer your life in a rational manner.It is said that man is a slave to desire.
But this saying expresses only half of the truth. It is a fact that the human mind is full of desires but, at the same time, it is also true that man's mind has the capacity for logical thought. When you find that your mind is overwhelmed by desire, examine that desire in the light of reality.
Assess it in terms of its potential results, and find out objectively whether it is feasible or not to fulfil it. Then, after examining it completely, if you are satisfied that its results will be beneficial, fulfil your desire. Do not run after your desires. Even if you are following your desires, check and re-check them again and again. It is also very important to turn back if you find that you have taken a wrong step. Stop your journey before reaching the point of no return.