Thekabarnews.com—Many people have fresh desires at the start of a new year. The nafs make promises of relaxation, pleasure, and rapid delight. It tells us to put off our responsibilities, give in to our impulses, and make excuses for doing too much in the name of enjoyment.

Islam, on the other hand, teaches us a higher calling: to put off what the nafs wants and choose discipline for the sake of Allah. This option is challenging, but it indicates that you are a sincere believer.

Islam does not reject human yearning. Allah ﷻ made the nafs as part of our test in this life. But the believer does not let their desires control them. The believer, on the other hand, trains the nafs, disciplines it, and puts it under the direction of iman.

This struggle is referred to as jihad an-nafs, signifying the ongoing internal battle within oneself that persists throughout one’s lifetime. It is a quiet fight that people cannot see, yet Allah ﷻ knows it well.

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لَيْسَ الشَّدِيدُ مَنْ غَلَبَ النَّاسَ وَلَكِنَّ الشَّدِيدَ مَنْ غَلَبَ نَفْسَهُ

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The strong are not those who defeat people. Rather, the strong are those who defeat their own ego.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān 717).

Discipline seems weighty in a world that values rapid satisfaction. Social media, the culture of buying things, and always having something to do make us want to take what we want right away. Islam, on the other hand, promotes self-control.

It instructs us to stop, think, and ask ourselves, “Is this pleasing to Allah?” We are not losing when we put off what the nafs wants; we are investing in our akhirah.

God tells us to be patient and rewards those who are. He says,

فَٱصۡبِرۡ صَبۡرٗا جَمِيلً

“So be patient with gracious patience.” (Surah Al-Ma’arij: 5).

Patience without complaining, becoming angry, or giving up is called gracious patience (ṣabr jamīl). It is the patience of someone who has complete faith in Allah, even when they want something and things are challenging. Being patient is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength. It is the finest sort of freedom to be in control of yourself.

A true Muslim is not just someone who follows traditions on the outside; they are also someone who controls themselves on the inside. Prayer helps you learn how to be disciplined. Fasting takes away the power of the nafs.

Modesty keeps you from acting on your impulses. Every time we pray, we learn to say “no” to ourselves and “yes” to Allah. Discipline makes faith strong and character noble.

The present is the time to make fresh plans as we enter a new year. Put off the nafs that is not necessary. Do not give in to the bad habit. Get up for Fajr even when your body wants to sleep.

Even when temptation comes, look down. When rage calls for action, speak wisely. These little acts of discipline make a heart that is strong, serene, and honest.

Choosing discipline over impulse does not entail giving up happiness. It means choosing a deeper, longer-lasting happiness—the peace that comes from trusting and obeying Allah.

The believer knows that every time they put off what they want for God’s sake, they will achieve something much greater, either in this life or the next.

May Allah make us among those who control their nafs, practice beautiful patience, and travel the path of discipline with honesty. May He provide us strength to go through our problems and serenity in our hearts. Aamiin.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱسۡتَعِينُواْ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ

“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah:153).