Ramadhan: A Mirror for the Nafs

Before We Begin:

Yesterday, I launched my first digital product, which breaks down how one Ayah in the Quran transformed my struggles into successes. I also share how I overcame self-doubt, laziness, and procrastination. If you’re tired of being held back and want to reach your full potential this is for you: The One Ayah: From Dreams to Reality.

As Salaam Alaykum.

Ramadhan is a time for introspection.

That’s just a fancy word for understanding yourself.

It forces you to face the one thing that has always been with you—your Nafs.

You see during normal days we always say “Shaytaan made me do it.”
But now? He’s locked up.

And suddenly, you see the true strength of your Nafs when it desires evil.

Allah tells us in the Quran:
"Indeed, the soul is ever inclined towards evil, except for those upon whom my Lord has mercy."
(Surah Yusuf: 53)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) also emphasized this when he said:
"The greatest Jihad is to struggle against your own self (Nafs) in obedience to Allah."

I heard this hadith before, but I never truly understood it.

The Sahaba put on heavy armor and marched into the heat for Jihad.
Me and you?
We have to battle a deep, dark force that lives inside of us.

You see how powerful it is when it urges you towards evil.

• You feel its full force when it urges you to gossip.

• You feel its full force when you’re trying to lower your gaze.

• You feel its full force when you’re in the Masjid for Qiyam on your 2nd rakat and it whispers, “Just leave. There are 6 more to go.”

This is Jihad.

It’s terrifying, isn’t it?

To realize that there’s a part of you—deep inside—that wants to pull you away from Allah.

But here’s what I’ve learned:
You can train your Nafs to crave good, just like it craves sin.

How to Tame your Nafs

1. Make This Powerful Dua

There’s a reason the Prophet ﷺ would constantly make this dua:

"Allahumma aati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha, Anta khayru man zakkaha, Anta waliyyuha wa mawlaha."
"O Allah, grant my soul its Taqwa and purify it, for You are the best to purify it. You are its Guardian and Master."

Before you want to do anything in life you have to Ask Allah for help. Now that you have to do jihad against your nafs you need his help.

If the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ made this dua and he is the best of creation then so should you.

Say it often.
This dua has worked wonders for me by Allah’s permission.

2. Give Sadaqah—Even When It Hurts

Have you ever had that moment where you think about giving Sadaqah… and then suddenly, a thousand reasons flood your mind?

"You’re broke."
“You need that money for your savings."
"I’ll do it tomorrow."

That’s your Nafs clinging to greed.

You have to break through the noise and give—even if it’s just a small amount.

Start with a dollar in the masjid box.

Do this whenever you can.

Because Allah says:
"And whoever is saved from the greed of his soul – it is they who will be successful."
(Surah Al-Hashr: 9)

here’s what I experienced: The more you force your Nafs to give, the more it will start to love giving.

3. Immerse Yourself in Deep Ibadah

There’s one act of Ibadah that completely transformed me.
I won’t share what it is (for personal reasons), but here’s what I did:

• I set my phone alarm for (10-15 minutes).

• I pushed myself into it

• I refused to listen to my Nafs when it begged me to stop.

At first it was hard.

10 minutes would feel like an hour.

But slowly I got used to it.

It went from being a struggle 

to being a habit

to being a craving.

I’m not gonna act like I do it every day but I do it often Alhamdulilah.

Now, if I miss it, I don’t feel at peace.

That’s all from me today.

Until Next time In Shaa Allah,