Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

The Soul And Holding It To Account

The soul and holding it to account-النفس ومحاسبتها

1. The noble soul is not affected by misfortunes.

1ـ اَلنَفْسُ الْكَريمَةُ لاتُؤَثِّرُ فِيهَا النَّكِباتُ.

2. The honourable soul does not find it difficult to [spend wealth in order to] acquire provisions.

2ـ اَلنَّفْسُ الشَّريفَةُ لاتَثْقُلُ عَلَيْهَا المَؤُناتُ.

3. The ignoble soul does not separate from [its] vile attributes.

3ـ اَلنَّفْسُ الدَّنِيَّةُ لاتَنْفَكُّ عَنِ الدَّنائاتِ.

4. A person’s upbraiding of his own soul is evidence of the gravity of his intellect and the symbol of his abundant merit.

4ـ إزْراءُ الرَّجُلِ عَلى نَفْسِهِ بُرْهانُ رَزانَةِ عَقْلِهِ

5. Souls are free but the hands of the intellects hold their reins and protect them from [wretchedness and] misfortune.

5ـ اَلنُّفُوسُ طَلِقَةٌ لكِنْ أيْدِى العُقُولِ تُمْسِكُ أعِنَّتَها

6. One who is pleased with himself is cheated and one who is overconfident is faced with affliction.

6ـ اَلرَّاضِي عَنْ نَفْسِهِ مَغْبُونٌ والواثِقُ بِها مَفْتُونٌ.

7. The one who is pleased with himself cannot see his own faults but if he were to know the merits of others, he would cover up (and feel ashamed of) the faults and flaws that are in him.

7ـ اَلرَّاضِي عَنْ نَفْسِهِ مَسْتُورٌ عَنْهُ عَيْبُهُ، ولَوْ عَرَفَ

8. The refractory, alluring soul flatters as the hypocrite flatters and feigns the attribute of an assenting friend, until such a time when it deceives and gains mastery, then it dominates as an enemy would dominate and dictates as the tyrant would dictate, thereby taking one into the places of evil.

8ـ اَلنَّفْسُ الأمـّارَةُ المُسَوِّلَةُ تَتَمَلَّقُ تَمَلُّقَ

9. Honour your soul as long as it aids you in the obedience of Allah.

9ـ أكْرِمْ نَفْسَكَ ما أعانَتْكَ عَلى طاعَةِ اللّهِ.

10. Humiliate your soul as long as it makes you recalcitrant in the disobedience of Allah.

10ـ أهِنْ نَفْسَكَ ما جَمَحَتْ بِكَ إلى مَعاصِي اللّهِ.

11. Have fear of Allah in your soul, wrest away the control that Satan has over you, turn your attention towards the Hereafter and make [the pleasure of] Allah the object of your striving.

11ـ إتَّقِ اللّهَ في نَفْسِكَ، وَنازِ عِ الشَّيْطانَ قِيادَكَ،

12. Ennoble your soul from every vile quality, even if it drives you to your desires, for indeed you will never be able to compensate for what you have lost of your soul.

12ـ أكْرِمْ نَفْسَكَ عَنْ كُلِّ دَنِيَّة وَإنْ ساقَتْكَ إلى

13. Make yourself a guardian over your soul and reserve a portion of this world for your Hereafter.

13ـ اِجْعَلْ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ عَلى نَفْسِكَ رَقِيباً واجْعَلْ لآخِرَتِكَ

14. Move closer to your soul by retracting from it (I mean that you should move towards your loftier and higher self which has been adapted from the light of your intellect and acts as a barrier between you and the inclinations of your base nature; and by retracting I mean you should retract from the soul that commands to evil and shakes hands with defiance).

14ـ أقْبِلْ عَلى نَفْسِكَ بِالإدْبارِ عَنْها (أعْنِي أنْ تُقْبِلَ عَلى

15. Restrain your soul from lustful desires and you will remain safe from calamities.

15ـ اِمْنَعْ نَفْسَكَ مِنَ الشَّهَواتِ تَسْلَمْ مِنَ الآفاتِ.

16. Be equitable yourself before equity is sought from you, for indeed that is loftier for your status and more deserving of the pleasure of your Lord.

16ـ أنْصِفْ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ قَبْلَ أنْ يُنْتَصَفَ مِنْكَ، فَإنَّ ذلِكَ

17. Gain control over your souls by your continuous struggle against it.

17ـ اِمْلِكُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ بِدَوامِ جِهادِها.

18. Occupy yourselves with [acts of] obedience [to Allah], and your tongues with the remembrance [of Allah], and your hearts with acceptance [of His will] in what you love and hate.

18ـ اِشْغَلُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ بِالطّاعَةِ، وألْسِنَتـَكُمْ بِالذِّكْرِ،

19. Restrain these souls for indeed they are very desirous, and if you follow them, they will lead you towards the worst evil.

19ـ اِقْمَعُوا هذِهِ النُّفُوسَ، فَإنَّها طُلَعَةٌ إنْ تُطِيعُوها

20. Knowledge about oneself is the more beneficial of the two types of knowledge.

20ـ اَلمَعْرِفَةُ بِالنَّفْسِ أنْفَعُ المَعْرِفَتَيْنِ.

21. Beware of being pleased with yourself thereby increasing the number of those who are displeased with you.

21ـ إيّاكَ أنْ تَرْضى عَنْ نَفْسِكَ فَيَكْثُرَ السّاخِطُ عَلَيْكَ.

22. Beware of overconfidence for this is one of the biggest traps of Satan.

22ـ إيّاكَ والثِّقَةَ بِنَفْسِكَ فَإنَّ ذلِكَ مِنْ أكْبَرِ مَصائِدِ

23. Indeed there is no price for your souls other than Paradise, so do not sell them except [in return] for it.

23ـ ألا إنَّهُ لَيْسَ لأنْفُسِكُمْ ثَمَنٌ إلاّ الْجَنَّةُ،

24. The greatest affliction is poverty of the soul.

24ـ أكْبَرُ الْبَلاءِ فَقـْرُ النَّفْسِ.

25. He who is controlled by lustful desires and enslaved by (worldly) aspirations has degraded his soul.

25ـ أزْرى بِنَفْسِهِ مَنْ مَلَكَتْهُ الشَّهْوَةُ، واسْتَعْبَدَتْهُ

26. The strongest of people is one who has the greatest command over his soul.

26ـ أقْوَى النّاسِ أعْظَمُهُمْ سُلْطاناً عَلى نَفْسِهِ.

27. The weakest of people is one who is unable to reform his soul.

27ـ أعْجَزُ النّاسِ مَن عَجَزَ عَنْ إصْلاحِ نَفْسِهِ.

28. The person with the greatest control over his soul is the one who subdues his anger and kills off his lustful desire.

28ـ أعْظَمُ النّاسِ سُلْطاناً عَلى نَفْسِهِ مَنْ قَمَعَ غَضَبَهُ

29. Verily when souls are in harmony they become close [with one another].

29ـ إنَّ النُّفُوسَ إذا تَناسَبَتْ اِيتَلَفَتْ.

30. Verily your souls have [great] value, so do not sell them except for Paradise.

30ـ إنَّ لأنْفُسِكُمْ أثْماناً، فَلا تَبيعُوها إلاّ بِالْجَنَّةِ.

31. Indeed the one who sells his soul for anything other than Paradise suffers great tribulation.

31ـ إنَّ مَنْ باعَ نَفْسَهُ بِغَيْرِ الْجَنَّةِ، فَقَدْ عَظُمَتْ

32. Verily these souls are very desirous, if you obey them they will lead you to the depths of evil.

32ـ إنَّ هذِهِ النُّفُوسَ طُلَعَةٌ، إنْ تُطيعُوها تَنْزِ عْ بِكُمْ إلى

33. Verily obeying the self and following its vain desires is the root of every tribulation and the cornerstone of every aberrance.

33ـ إنَّ طاعَةَ النَّفْسِ ومُتابَعَةَ أهْوِيَتِها أُسُّ كُلِّ مِحْنَة

34. Verily the soul has far-reaching desires and continues to be inclined towards disobedience in its desires.

34ـ إنَّ النَّفْسَ أبْعَدُ شَيْء مَنْـزَعاً، وإنَّها لاتَزالُ تَنْزِعُ

35. Verily this soul commands towards evil so one who neglects it [and does not discipline it] is indomitably driven by it towards sins.

35ـ إنَّ هذِهِ النَّفْسَ لأمـّارَةٌ بِالسُّوْءِ فَمَنْ أهْمَلَها

36. Verily your soul is a deceiver; if you trust it, Satan will lead you to commit forbidden acts.

36ـ إنَّ نَفْسَكَ لَخَدُوعٌ، إنْ تَثِقْ بِها يَقْتَدْكَ الشَّيْطانُ

37. Verily the soul commands towards evil and indecency, so whoever trusts it, it deceives him and whoever has confidence in it, it destroys him and whoever is pleased with it, it makes him enter the worst of places.

37ـ إنَّ النَّفْسَ لأمّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ والفَحْشاءِ، فَمَنِ

38. Verily the true believer does not enter his evening and morning but that he distrusts his soul, so he continues to belittle [and find fault with] it and seeks more [good] for it.

38ـ إنَّ المُؤْمِنَ لا يُمْسي ولايُصْبِـحُ إلاّ ونَفْسُهُ ظَنُونٌ

39. Verily the soul is a valuable gem, whoever guards it elevates it and whoever does not preserve it abases it.

39ـ إنَّ النَّفْسَ لَجَوْهَرَةٌ ثَمِيْنَةٌ مَنْ صانَها رَفَعَها ومَنِ

40. Verily the soul that seeks short-lived desires will surely perish in its quest and will be wretched in its place of return [in the Hereafter].

40ـ إنَّ النَّفْسَ الَّتي تَطْلُبُ الرَّغائِبَ الفانِيَةَ لَتَهْلِكُ

41. Verily the soul that struggles to acquire the everlasting desires will surely achieve its goal and will be felicitous in its place of return [in the Hereafter].

41ـ إنَّ النَّفْسَ الَّتي تَجْهَدُ فِي اقْتِناءِ الرَّغائِبِ

42. Verily the soul is like the camel that likes to eat bitter grass, and the ear does not retain much of what it hears, so do not cut off your understanding by being importunate with your soul because for each part of the body there is [need for] repose.

42ـ إنَّ النَّفْسَ حَمِضَةٌ، والأُذُنَ مَجّاجَةٌ، فَلا تَجُبَّ

43. Verily your soul is your riding mount, if you make it carry more than it can bear, you will kill it and if you treat it with kindness, you will save it.

43ـ إنَّ نَفْسَكَ مَطِيَّتُكَ، إنْ أجْهَدْ تَها قَتَلْتَها، وإنْ

44. Verily if you contravene this division [and allotment of specific times for specific deeds] then the supererogatory acts you perform do not take the place of the obligatory that you have neglected.

44ـ إنَّكَ إنْ أخْلَلْتَها بِشَيْء مِنْ هذا التَّقْسِيمِ فَلا تَقُومُ

45. Being preoccupied with disciplining the soul is better [for you].

45ـ اَلاِشْتِغالُ بِتَهْذيبِ النَّفْسِ أصْلَحُ.

46. Overconfidence [in oneself] is one of the strongest opportunities for Satan.

46ـ اَلثِّقَةُ بِالنَّفْسِ مِنْ أوْثَقِ فُرَصِ الشَّيْطانِ.

47. Redressing the corruption of one’s soul is the most beneficial accomplishment.

47ـ اِسْتِدْراكُ فَسادِ النَّفْسِ مِنْ أنْفَعِ التَّحْقِيقِ.

48. Your preoccupation with your own flaws is sufficient to keep [the] shame [of searching for others faults] away from you.

48ـ إشْتِغالُكَ بِمَعائِبِ نَفْسِكَ يَكْفِيكَ العارُ.

49. If you do not restrain your soul from many of the things that you love out of fear of its displeasure, then vain desires will drive you towards a lot of harm.

49ـ إنْ لَمْ تَرْدَعْ نَفْسَكَ عَنْ كَثِير مِمّا تُحِبُّ مَخافَةَ

50. Verily if you give your [carnal] soul control over yourself, you will corrupt your Hereafter and put you into unending affliction and incessant wretchedness.

50ـ إنَّكَ إنْ مَلَّكْتَ نَفْسَكَ قِيادَكَ، أفْسَدْتَ مَعادَكَ،

51. Verily if you obey your [carnal] souls, they will lead you towards the worst end.

51ـ إنَّكُمْ إنْ أطَعْتُمْ أنْفُسَكُمْ نَزَعَتْ بِكُمْ إلى شَرِّ

52. Indeed you are just like the one who stabs himself in order to kill the one who is sitting behind him.

52ـ إنَّما أنْتَ كَالطّاعِنِ نَفْسَهُ لِيَقْتُلَ رِدْفَهُ.

53. When you make your soul obey Allah you have honoured it, and if you allow it to disobey Him you have humiliated it.

53ـ إذا أخَذْتَ نَفْسَكَ بِطاعَةِ اللّهِ أكْرَمْتَها، وإنِ

54. When your soul becomes obstinate with you then be obstinate with it and it will be humble to you, and deceive your soul with regards to yourself, it will yield to you.

54ـ إذا صَعُبَتْ عَلَيْكَ نَفْسُكَ فَاصْعُبْ لَها تَذِلُّ لَكَ وخادِعْ

55. When you desire the uprightness of your soul then you should adopt moderation, contentment and the reduction of [your] wants.

55ـ إذا رَغِبْتَ في صَلاحِ نَفْسِكَ فَعَلَيْكَ بِالاِقْتِصادِ،

56. Uprightness of the soul is [attained] through struggle.

56ـ بِالْمُجاهَدَةِ صَلاحُ النَّفْسِ.

57. Take it upon yourselves to discipline your souls and turn them away from their harmful habits.

57ـ تَوَلَّوْا مِنْ أنْفُسِكُمْ تَأْدِيبَها واعْدِلُوا بِها عَنْ

58. Demand from your soul [the performance of] that which it obligatory upon it and you will be safe from the demands of others, scrutinize it and you will have no need for the scrutiny of others.

58ـ تَقاضَ نَفْسَكَ بِما يَجِبُ عَلَيْها تَأمَنْ تَقاضِيَ غَيْرِكَ

59. He (a) said about the one whom he was censuring: His [lower] self dominates him by means of that which he assumes, and he cannot overpower it with what he is certain of. He has made his vain desire his master and he obeys it in all his affairs.

59ـ وقالَ في حَقِّ مَنْ ذَمَّهُ: تَغْلِبُهُ نَفْسُهُ عَلى ما يَظُنُّ،

60. Try yourself in the obedience of Allah through patience in performing obligatory acts and perseverance in performing supererogatory acts and duties.

60ـ جَرِّبْ نَفْسَكَ في طاعَةِ اللّهِ بِالصَّبْرِ عَلى أداءِ

61. Hold yourselves to account [for your deeds] and you will be safe from the fear of Allah and will attain what you desire [from that which is] with Him.

61ـ حاسِبُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ تَأْمَنُوا مِنَ اللّهِ الرَّهَبَ، وتُدْرِكُوا

62. Hold yourself to account for your [own] soul for indeed other souls have someone else who will hold them to account.

62ـ حاسِبْ نَفْسَكَ لِنَفْسِكَ فَإنَّ غَيْرَها مِنَ الأنْفُسِ لَها

63. Hold your souls to account before they are held to account and weigh them before they are weighed.

63ـ حاسِبُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ قَبْلَ أنْ تُحاسَبُوا ووازِنُوها قَبْلَ أنْ

64. Hold your souls to account for their deeds and seek from them the fulfilment of what is obligatory on them and their taking from the evanescent for the eternal; and gather provisions and make preparations before you are resurrected [on the Day of Reckoning].

64ـ حاسِبُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ بِأعْمالِها، وطالِبُوها بِأداءِ الْمَفْرُوضِ

65. Beautify your souls with chastity and keep away from wastefulness and extravagance.

65ـ حَلُّوا أنْفُسَكُمْ بِالْعَفافِ، وتَجَنَّبُوا التَّبْذِيرَ

66. The best souls are the purest among them.

66ـ خَيْرُ النُّفُوسِ أزْكاها.

67. Take [good deeds] from yourself for your soul [in the Hereafter], gather provisions today for your tomorrow, benefit from the slumber (or respite) of time and seize the opportunity [to do good while you can].

67ـ خُذْ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ لِنَفْسِكَ، وَتَزَوَّدْ مِنْ يَوْمِكَ لِغَدِكَ،

68. Deceive your heart into worshipping and be gentle with it (or do not compel it), and engage it [in worship] when it is free and lively, except for what has been prescribed as obligatory, for indeed that must be fulfilled [in any case].

68ـ خادِعْ نَفْسَكَ عَنِ الْعِبادَةِ، وارْفُقْ بِها (وَلاتَقْهَرْها)،

69. Take from your bodies and bestow them generously to your souls, and strive to free yourselves before your ransoms are blocked.

69ـ خُذُوا مِنْ أجْسادِكُمْ تَجُودُوا بِها عَلى أنْفُسِكُمْ واسْعَوْا

70. Oppose your [carnal] soul and you will become upright, mingle with scholars and you will learn.

70ـ خالِفْ نَفْسَكَ تَسْتَقِمْ وخالِطِ الْعُلَماءَ تَعْلَمْ.

71. Serving the soul means protecting it from [unlawful] pleasures and acquisitions, training it with knowledge and wisdom and making it strive in performing acts of worship and obedience, for in this lies the salvation for the soul.

71ـ خِدْمَةُ النَّفْسِ صيانَتُها عَنِ اللَّذّاتِ، والمُقْتَنَياتِ،

72. The cure of the soul is abstaining from vain desires and abstinence from the pleasures of this world.

72ـ دَواءُ النَّفْسِ الصَّوْمُ عَنِ الهَوى والْحِمْيَةُ عَنْ لَذّاتِ

73. The highest peaks [of success] are not attained but by those who espouse discipline and hard work.

73ـ ذِرْوَةُ الغاياتِ لا يَنالُها إلاّ ذَوُو التَّهْذِيبِ

74. Have humility in your soul and honour in your faith; preserve your Hereafter and be open-handed with your worldly possessions.

74ـ ذِلَّ في نَفْسِكَ وعِزَّ في دِينِكَ وصُنْ آخِرَتَكَ وابْذُلْ

75. Humble your souls by abandoning [bad] habits, lead them towards performing acts of obedience [and worship], make them bear the burdens of [others’] liabilities, beautify them through noble deeds, and protect them from the filth of sins.

75ـ ذَلِّلُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ بِتَرْكِ العاداتِ، وقُودُوها إلى فِعْلِ

76. Humble your soul through obedience and adorn it with contentment; reduce your wants and be moderate in your earning.

76ـ ذَلِّلْ نَفْسَكَ بِالطّاعَةِ، وحَلِِّّها بِالقَناعَةِ، وَخَفِّضْ

77. May Allah have mercy on the person who holds back the reins of his soul from acts of disobedience to Allah and steers it towards the obedience of Allah by its reins.

77ـ رَحِمَ اللّهُ امْرَءاً اَلْجَمَ نَفْسَهُ عَنْ مَعاصِي اللّهِ

78. May Allah have mercy on the person who subdues the inclinations of his soul towards vain desires thereby protecting it, and steers it towards the obedience of Allah by its reins.

78ـ رَحِمَ اللّهُ امْرَءاً قَمَعَ نَوازِ عَ نَفْسِهِ إلَى الهَوى

79. Deterring the soul from vain desire is the greater Jihad.

79ـ رَدْعُ النَّفْسِ عَنِ الهَوى اَلْجِهادُ الأكْبَرِ.

80. Deterring the soul from vain desire is the Jihad that is beneficial.

80ـ رَدْعُ النَّفْسِ عَنِ الهَوى هُوَ الْجِهادُ النَّافِعُ.

81. Deterring the soul from the vanities of this world is the fruit of reason.

81ـ رَدْعُ النَّفْسِ عَنْ زَخارِفِ الدُّنْيا ثَمَرَةُ الْعَقْلِ.

82. Deterring the soul from the temptation of vain desire is the fruit of nobility.

82ـ رَدْعُ النَّفْسِ عَنْ تَسْوِيلِ الْهَوى ثَمَرَةُ النُّبْلِ.

83. Turn your soul away when faced with lustful desires and make it steadfast on the book of Allah when faced with doubts.

83ـ رُدَّ عَنْ نَفْسِكَ عِنْدَ الشَّهَواتِ وأقِمْها عَلى كِتابِ اللّهِ

84. Restraining the soul and struggling against its vain desires raises one’s ranks and multiplies the good deeds.

84ـ رَدْعُ النَّفْسِ وجِهادُها عَنْ أهْوِيَتِها يَرْفَعُ الدَّرَجاتِ

85. Your satisfaction with yourself is an indication of the corruption of your mind.

85ـ رِضاكَ عَنْ نَفْسِكَ مِنْ فَسادِ عَقْلِكَ.

86. The person’s satisfaction with himself is [always] accompanied by the displeasure of his Lord.

86ـ رِضَا العَبْدِ عَنْ نَفسِهِ مَقْرُونٌ بِسَخَطِ رَبِّهِ

87. A man’s satisfaction with himself is evidence of his feeble-mindedness.

87ـ رِضَا الْمَرْءِ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ بُرْهانُ سَخافَةِ عَقْلِهِ.

88. Turning away from [the pleasures of] this world is the means of reforming the soul.

88ـ سَبَبُ صَلاحِ النَّفْسِ العُزُوفُ عَنِ الدُّنيا.

89. Governing one’s soul is the best [form of] administration and the eminency of knowledge is the most honourable pre-eminence.

89ـ سِياسَةُ النَّفْسِ أفْضَلُ سِياسَة ورِياسَةُ الْعِلْمِ أشْرَفُ

90. The worst indigence is poverty of the soul.

90ـ شَرُّ الْفَقْرِ فَقْرُ النَّفْسِ.

91. The worst thing is being pleased with oneself.

91ـ شَرُّ الأُمُورِ الرِّضا عَنِ النَّفْسِ.

92. The uprightness of the soul is [in] reduced greed.

92ـ صَلاحُ النَّفْسِ قِلَّةُ الطَّمَعِ.

93. Reformation of the soul is [achieved by] struggling against vain desires.

93ـ صَلاحُ النَّفْسِ مُجاهَدَةُ الْهَوى.

94. The misguidance of souls is between the impulses of lust and anger.

94ـ ضَلالُ النُّفُوسِ بَيْنَ دَواعِي الشَّهْوَةِ والغَضَبِ.

95. The fruit of self-appraisal is reformation of the soul.

95ـ ثَمَرَةُ الْمُحاسَبَةِ صَلاحُ النَّفْسِ.

96. Weigh your souls before they are weighed and hold them to account before they are held to account, and breathe before the throat is constricted, and follow submissively before you are driven by force.

96ـ زِنُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ قَبْلَ أنْ تُوازَنُوا (تُوزَنُوا) وَحاسِبُوها

97. Restrict your souls by holding them accountable and control them by opposition [to their whims].

97ـ قَيِّدُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ بِالْمُحاسَبَةِ وأمْلِكُوها بِالْمُخالَفَةِ.

98. One who holds himself to account, gains.

98ـ مَنْ حاسَبَ نَفْسَهُ رَبِـحَ.

99. One who holds himself to account becomes felicitous.

99ـ مَنْ حاسَبَ نَفْسَهُ سَعِدَ.

100. One who undertakes to hold his soul to account is safe from flattery [and deceit].

100ـ مَنْ تَعاهَدَ نَفْسَهُ بِالمُحاسَبَةِ أمِنَ فِيها الْمُداهَنَةَ.

101. One who holds himself to account becomes aware of his faults and realizes his sins so he seeks forgiveness for his sins and tries to correct his faults.

101ـ مَنْ حاسَبَ نَفْسَهُ وَقَفَ عَلى عُيُوبِهِ وأحاطَ بِذُنُوبِهِ

102. Blessed is the one who has in his soul that which keeps him preoccupied from the [faults of other] people.

102ـ طُوبى لِمَنْ كانَ لَهُ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ شُغْلٌ شاغِلٌ عَنِ النّاسِ.

103. Blessed is the one who strives to free his soul before the shortness of breath and the severity of despair [at the time of death].

103ـ طُوبى لِمَنْ سَعى في فَكاكِ نَفْسِهِ قَبْلَ ضِيقِ الأنْفاسِ

104. Blessed is he who considers himself as low, gains honour through his obedience [to Allah] and becomes free from want through his contentment.

104ـ طُوبى لِمَنْ ذَلَّ في نَفْسِهِ وعَزَّ بِطاعَتِهِ وغَنِيَ

105. Blessed is the one who has in his soul that which keeps him preoccupied [from others] and the people are at ease from him, and who acts in obedience to Allah, the Glorified.

105ـ طُوبى لِمَنْ كانَ لَهُ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ شُغْلٌ شاغِلٌ، والنّاسُ

106. Blessed be the soul that fulfils its duty to its Lord.

106ـ طُوبى لِنَفْس أدَّتْ إلى رَبِّها فَرْضَها.

107. Purify your souls from the filth of lustful desires and you will attain lofty stations.

107ـ طَهِّرُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ مِنْ دَنَسِ الشَّهَواتِ تُدْرِكُوا رَفِيعَ

108. Whoever disobeys Allah and obeys Satan has oppressed his soul.

108ـ ظَلَمَ نَفْسَهُ مَنْ عَصَى اللّهَ وأطاعَ الشَّيْطانَ.

109. Whoever is satisfied with the temporary abode in place of the everlasting abode has oppressed himself.

109ـ ظَلَمَ نَفْسَهُ مَنْ رَضِيَ بِدارِ الْفَناءِ عِوَضاً عَنْ دارِ

110. Accustom your soul to virtue, for indeed it will make that which is spoken about you good and will make your reward great.

110ـ عَوِّدْنَفْسَكَ الْجَميلَ فَإنَّهُ يُجْمِلُ عَنْكَ الأُحْدُوثَةَ

111. Accustom yourself to being engrossed in remembrance [of Allah] and repentance, for indeed this will wipe out your sin and make your reward great.

111ـ عَوِّدْ نَفْسَكَ الاِسْتِهْتارَ بِالذِّكْرِ وَالاِسْتِغْفارِ

112. Habituate yourself to [performing] noble deeds and bearing the burden of [others’] liabilities, [for through this] your soul will become honourable, your Hereafter will thrive and those who praise you will increase.

112ـ عَوِّدْ نَفْسَكَ فِعْلَ الْمَكارِمِ وتَحَمُّلَ أعْباءِ

113. Habituate yourself to good intention and virtuous purpose, you will attain success in your aspirations (or endeavours).

113ـ عَوِّدْ نَفْسَكَ حُسْنَ النِّـيَّةِ وجَمِيلَ الْمَقْصَدِ تُدْرِكْ

114. Habituate yourself to forbearance and eschewing importunity, [and as a result] righteousness will adhere to you.

114ـ عَوِّدْنَفْسَكَ السَّماحَ وتَجَنُّبَ الإلْحاحِ يَلْزَمْكَ

115. I am amazed at the one who knows himself, how can he feel at ease in the temporary abode [of this world]?!

115 ـ عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ كَيْفَ يَأْنَسُ بِدارِ

116. I am amazed at the one who searches for the thing he has lost while he has lost his own soul and does not seek it!

116ـ عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ يَنْشُدُ ضالَّتَهُ وقَدْ أضَلَّ نَفْسَهُ فَلا

117. I am amazed at the one who oppresses his own soul, how can he be fair to others?!

117ـ عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ يَظْلِمُ نَفْسَهُ كَيْفَ يُنْصِفُ غَيْرَهُ.

118. I am amazed at the one who is ignorant about himself, how can he know his Lord?!

118ـ عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ يَجْهَلُ نَفْسَهُ كَيْفَ يَعْرِفُ رَبَّهُ.

119. Compel your souls to abandon acts of disobedience and it will become easier for you to lead them towards acts of obedience [and worship].

119ـ غالِبُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ عَلى تَرْكِ المَعاصِي تَسْهُلْ عَلَيْكُمْ

120. Compel your souls to abandon bad habits and you will overcome them; fight against your vain desires and you will gain control over them.

120ـ غالِبُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ عَلى تَرْكِ العاداتِ تَغْلِبُوها وجاهِدُوا

121. Perfection of righteousness is in struggling against the [carnal] soul.

121ـ في مُجاهَدَةِ النَّفْسِ كَمالُ الصَّلاحِ.

122. The guidance of the soul is in opposing it.

122ـ في خِلافِ النَّفْسِ رُشْدُها.

123. The misguidance of the soul is in obedience to it.

123ـ في طاعَةِ النَّفْسِ غَيُّها.

124. The corruption of the soul is [caused by] vain desire.

124ـ فَسادُ النَّفْسِ أَلْهَوى.

125. Your power over your soul is the best power and your authority over it is the best authority.

125ـ قُدْرَتـُكَ عَلى نَفْسِكَ أفْضَلُ القُدْرَةِ وإمْرَتُكَ عَلَيْها

126. How can one who is not content with little have the ability to reform himself?!

126ـ كَيْفَ يَسْتَطيعُ صَلاحَ نَفْسِهِ مَنْ لايَقْنَعُ بِالقَليلِ؟!

127. Being preoccupied with one’s soul is enough to keep a person distracted from the people.

127ـ كَفى بِالمَرْءِ شُغْلاً بِنَفْسِهِ عَنِ النّاسِ.

128. At the time when you are most confident in your soul be equally cautious (or fearful) of its deception.

128ـ كُنْ أوْثَقَ ما تَكُونُ بِنَفْسِكَ أحْذَرَ (أخْوَفَ) ما تَكُونُ

129. Be the guardian of your soul, and do with your possessions that which you would like others to do with it.[^1]

129ـ كُنْ وَصِيَّ نَفْسِكَ وافْعَلْ في مالِكَ ما تُحِبُّ أنْ

130. Hold yourself to account and struggle against your evil nature, and beware of blaming your sins on your Lord.

130ـ كُنْ مُؤاخِذاً نَفْسَكَ مُغالِباً سُوءَ طَبْعِكَ وإيّاكَ أنْ

131. Be a preventer and a forbidder for yourself [from evil], and a suppressor and a subjugator for your wealth (or outburst) during zeal (or anger).

131ـ كُنْ لِنَفْسِكَ مانِعاً رادِعاً ولِثَرْوَتِكَ (وَلِنَزْوَتِكَ)

132. The souls have certain evil natures [and characteristics] and wisdom forbids [one from] them.

132ـ للِنُّفُوسِ طَبايِـعُ سُوء والحِكْمَةُ تَنْهى عَنْها.

133. There is no price for your souls except Paradise, so do not sell them for anything but it.

133ـ لَيْسَ لأنْفُسِكُمْ ثَمَنٌ إلاّ الجَنَّةُ فَلاتَبيعُوها إلاّ

134. There is no expectation [of goodness] from the one who wrongs his own soul.

134ـ لَيْسَ مَنْ أساءَ إلى نَفْسِهِ بِذي مَأْمُول.

135. There is none on the face of this earth more honoured in the sight of Allah, the Glorified, than the soul that is obedient to His commands.

135ـ لَيْسَ عَلى وَجْهِ الأرْضِ أكْرَمُ عَلَى اللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ مِنَ

136. One who considers himself to be more [important or powerful than others] becomes less.

136ـ مَنْ تَكَبَّرَ بِنَفْسِهِ قَلَّ.

137. One who humbles himself is honoured.

137ـ مَنْ حَقَّرَ نَفْسَهُ عُظِّمَ.

138. One who reforms his soul gains mastery over it.

138ـ مَنْ أصْلَحَ نَفْسَهُ مَلَكَها.

139. One who neglects his soul destroys it.

139ـ مَنْ أهْمَلَ نَفْسَهُ أهْلَكَها.

140. One who honours his [carnal] soul is abased by it.

140ـ مَنْ أكْرَمَ نَفْسَهُ أهانَتْهُ.

141. Whoever trusts his [carnal] soul is betrayed by it.

141ـ مَنْ وَثِقَ بِنَفْسِهِ خانَتْهُ.

142. Whoever neglects his soul incurs loss.

142ـ مَنْ أهْمَلَ نَفْسَهُ خَسِرَ.

143. One who knows himself divests himself [of all worldly desires].

143ـ مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ تَجَرَّدَ.

144. Whoever obeys his soul kills it.

144ـ مَنْ أطاعَ نَفْسَهُ قَـتَلَها.

145. Whoever disobeys his soul has awarded it.

145ـ مَنْ عَصى نَفْسَهُ وَصَلَها.

146. One who is ignorant of his soul neglects it.

146ـ مَنْ جَهِـلَ نَفْسَهُ أهْمَلَها.

147. Whoever considers himself to be great is humiliated.

147ـ مَنْ عَظَّمَ نَفْسَهُ حُقِّرَ.

148. Whoever protects his soul [from evil] is revered.

148ـ مَنْ صانَ نَفْسَهُ وُقِّرَ.

149. Whoever controls his [carnal] soul, his affair [and status] is elevated.

149ـ مَنْ مَلَكَ نَفْسَهُ عَلا أمْرُهُ.

150. Whoever is controlled by his [carnal] soul, his status is lowered.

150ـ مَنْ مَلَكَتْهُ نَفْسُهُ ذَلَّ قَدْرُهُ.

151. Whoever loathes his [carnal] soul is loved by Allah.

151ـ مَنْ مَقَتَ نَفْسَهُ أحَبَّهُ اللّهُ.

152. Whoever abases his [carnal] soul is honoured by Allah.

152ـ مَنْ أهانَ نَفْسَهُ أكْرَمَهُ اللّهُ.

153. Whoever knows himself knows his Lord.

153ـ مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ عَرَفَ رَبَّهُ.

154. Whoever knows himself, his matter becomes sublime.

154ـ مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ جَلَّ أمْرُهُ.

155. One who deceives himself cannot [sincerely] advise others.

155ـ مَنْ غَشَّ نَفْسَهُ لَمْ يَنْصَحْ غَيْرَهُ.

156. One who governs [and trains] his soul has [truly] comprehended [the art of] administration.

156ـ مَنْ ساسَ نَفْسَهُ أدْرَكَ السِّياسَةَ.

157. Whoever takes care of his soul with vigilance, remains safe.

157ـ مَنْ تَعاهَدَ نَفْسَهُ بِالحَذَرِ أمِنَ.

158. One who fears for his soul does not oppress others.

158ـ مَنْ أشْفَقَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ لَمْ يَظْلِمْ غَيْرَهُ.

159. Whoever wrongs his [own] soul, no goodness is expected from him.

159ـ مَنْ أساءَ إلى نَفْسِهِ لَمْ يُتَوَقَّعْ مِنْهُ جَمِيلٌ.

160. Whoever protects himself from asking others becomes exalted.

160ـ مَنْ صانَ نَفْسَهُ عَنِ المَسائِلِ جَلَّ.

161. One whose soul is noble, his affection [and compassion] increases.

161ـ مَنْ شَرُفَتْ نَفْسُهُ كَثُرَتْ عَواطِفُهُ.

162. One who does not govern [and train] his own soul, destroys it.

162ـ مَنْ لَمْ يَسُسْ نَفْسَهُ أضاعَها.

163. Whoever is displeased with himself pleases his Lord.

163ـ مَنْ سَخِطَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ أرْضى رَبَّهُ.

164. Whoever is pleased with himself angers his Lord.

164ـ مَنْ رَضِيَ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ أسْخَطَ رَبَّهُ.

165. Whoever is able to gain control over his [carnal] self has attained the highest degree of strength.

165ـ مَنْ قَوِيَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ تَناهى فِي القُوَّةِ.

166. Whoever struggles with his soul in order to reform it, becomes felicitous.

166ـ مَنْ أجْهَدَ نَفْسَهُ في إصْلاحِها سَعِدَ.

167. Whoever neglects his soul [as it indulges] in its pleasures becomes wretched and distanced [from the mercy of Allah].

167ـ مَنْ أهْمَلَ نَفْسَهُ في لَذّاتِها شَقِيَ وبَعُدَ.

168. One who does not struggle against his [carnal] soul in his young age does not become noble in is old age.

168ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُجْهِدْ نَفْسَهُ في صِغَرِهِ لَمْ يَنْبُلْ في

169. Whoever continually disciplines his soul derives [great] benefit.

169ـ مَنِ اسْتَدامَ رِياضَةَ نَفْسِِهِ اِنْتَفَعَ.

170. Whoever is pleased with himself, many are angry with him.

170ـ مَنْ رَضِيَ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ كَثُرَ السّاخِطُ عَلَيْهِ.

171. Whoever indulges his soul in that which it loves, its wretchedness in that which it does not love gets prolonged.

171ـ مَنْ سامَحَ نَفْسَهُ فيما تُحِبُّ طالَ شَقاؤُها فيما لاتُحِبُّ.

172. Whoever preoccupies himself with that which is not necessary, lets the matters that are obligatory slip by.

172ـ مَنْ شَغَلَ نَفْسَهُ بِما لايَجِبْ ضَيَّعَ مِنْ أمْرِهِ ما

173. Whoever holds himself accountable preserves his standing and the outcomes of his affair are praised.

173ـ مَنْ واخَذَ نَفْسَهُ صانَ قَدْرَهُ وحُمِدَ عَواقِبُ أمْرِهِ.

174. Whoever neglects his soul corrupts his affair.

174ـ مَنْ أهْمَلَ نَفْسَهُ أفْسَدَ أمْرَهُ.

175. Whoever commands you to reform yourself is most deserving of your obedience.

175ـ مَنْ أمَرَكَ بِإصْلاحِ نَفْسِكَ فَهُوَ أحَقُّ مَنْ تُطيعُهُ.

176. Whoever scrutinizes himself remains safe from the scrutiny of others.

176ـ مَنِ اسْتَقْصى عَلى نَفْسِهِ أمِنَ اسْتِقْصاءَ غَيْرِهِ عَلَيْهِ.

177. Whoever oppresses himself is more oppressive to others.

177ـ مَنْ ظَلَمَ نَفْسَهُ كانَ لِغَيْرِهِ أظْلَمَ.

178. Whoever is great in his own eyes is low in the sight of Allah.

178ـ مَنْ كانَ عِنْدَ نَفْسِهِ عَظِيماً كانَ عِنْدَ اللّهِ حَقِيراً.

179. One who is ignorant about himself is more ignorant about others.

179ـ مَنْ جَهِلَ نَفْسَهُ كانَ بِغَيْرِ نَفْسِهِ أجْهَلَ.

180. Whoever is miserly with himself is more miserly with others.

180ـ مَنْ بَخِلَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ كانَ عَلى غَيرِهِ أبْخَلَ.

181. One whose soul is honourable endeavours to purify it from the lowliness of worldly pursuits.

181ـ مَنْ شَرُفَتْ نَفْسُهُ نَزَّهَها عَنْ دَناءَةِ الْمَطالِبِ.

182. One who knows the value of his soul does not abase it with transient things.

182ـ مَنْ عَرَفَ قَدْرَ نَفْسِهِ لَمْ يُهِنْها بِالفانِياتِ.

183. Whoever troubles himself with that which does not benefit him gets caught in that which harms him.

183ـ مَنْ أتْعَبَ نَفْسَهُ فيما لايَنْفَعُهُ وَقَعَ فيما يَضُرُّهُ.

184. One whose soul is content is assisted by it to become pure and remain chaste.

184ـ مَنْ قَنِعَتْ نَفْسُهُ أعانَتْهُ عَلَى النَّزاهَةِ والعَفافِ.

185. One whose soul is noble finds it easy to give generously and help others.

185ـ مَنْ كَرُمَتْ نَفْسُهُ اِسْتَهانَ بِالبَذْلِ والإسْعافِ.

186. One who considers his soul to be honourable does not abase it by sinning.

186ـ مَنْ كَرُمَتْ عَلَيْهِ نَفْسُهُ لَمْ يُهِنْها بِالمَعْصِيَةِ.

187. One whose soul is vigilant and careful has protectors from Allah watching over him.

187ـ مَنْ كانَ لَهُ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ يَقْظَةٌ كانَ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ اللّهِ

188. One who knows himself understands others better.

188ـ مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ فَهُوَ لِغَيْرِهِ أعْرَفُ.

189. One who considers his soul to be honourable, his [lustful] desires become insignificant to him.

189ـ مَنْ كَرُمَتْ عَلَيْهِ نَفْسُهُ هانَتْ عَلَيْهِ شَهْوَتُهُ.

190. One who is lenient with his soul in that which he loves is troubled by it in that which he hates.

190ـ مَنْ سامَحَ نَفْسَهُ فيما يُحِبُّ أتْعَبَهُ فيما يَكْرَهُ.

191. Whoever accuses himself has indeed overpowered Satan.

191ـ مَنِ اتَّهَمَ نَفْسَهُ فَقَدْ غالَبَ الشَّيْطانَ.

192. Whoever opposes his [carnal] soul has indeed defeated Satan.

192ـ مَنْ خالَفَ نَفْسَهُ فَقَد غَلَبَ الشَّيْطانَ.

193. Whoever obeys his soul in its lustful desires has indeed helped to destroy it.

193ـ مَنْ أطاعَ نَفْسَهُ في شَهَواتِها فَقدْ أعانَها عَلى هُلْكِها.

194. Whoever is pleased with himself, his flaws become known.

194ـ مَنْ رَضِيَ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ ظَهَرَتْ عَلَيْهِ المَعائِبُ.

195. Whoever reprimands his soul for [its] faults, it is deterred from many of the sins.

195ـ مَنْ وَبَّخَ نَفْسَهُ عَلَى العُيُوبِ اِرْتَعَدَتْ عَنْ كَثيرِ

196. One who has in his soul a restrainer [from evil], has a protector over him from Allah.

196ـ مَنْ كانَ لَهُ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ زاجِرٌ كانَ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ اللّهِ

197. Whoever knows himself has indeed attained the highest goal of every cognizance and knowledge.

197ـ مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ فَقَدِ انْتَهى إلى غايَةِ كُلِّ مَعْرِفَة

198. One who does not discipline [and purify] his soul, will not benefit from the intellect.

198ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُهَذِّبْ نَفْسَهُ لَمْ يَنْتَفِعْ بِالعَقْلِ.

199. Whoever does not benefit from his [own] soul, people do not benefit from him.

199ـ مَنْ لَمْ يَنْتَفِعْ بِنَفْسِهِ لَمْ يَنْتَفِعْ بِهِ النّاسُ.

200. One who does not humble himself in his own eyes will not be elevated in the sight of others.

200ـ مَنْ لَمْ يَتَّضِعْ عِنْدَ نَفْسِهِ لَمْ يَرْتَفِعْ عِنْدَ

201. One who does not reform himself cannot reform others.

201ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُصْلِحْ نَفْسَهُ لَمْ يُصْلِحْ غَيْرَهُ.

202. One whom Allah does not help [to fight] against his [carnal] soul will not benefit from the advice of the adviser.

202ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُعِنْهُ اللّهُ عَلى نَفْسِهِ لَمْ يَنْتَفِعْ

203. One who leaves his [carnal] soul free [to do as it wills] will be taken by it to the paths of darkness [and evil].

203ـ مَنْ رَخَّصَ لِنَفْسِهِ ذَهَبَتْ بِهِ في مَذاهِبِ الظُّلْمَةِ.

204. Whoever deals leniently with [and flatters] his soul, it makes him rush towards forbidden sins.

204ـ مَنْ داهَنَ نَفْسَهُ هَجَمَتْ بِهِ عَلَى المَعاصِى المُحَرَّمَةِ.

205. Whoever does not set right his soul by reforming it, his malady becomes worse and curing it becomes impossible, and he will not find any physician [who can treat it].

205ـ مَنْ لَمْ يَتَدارَكْ نَفْسَهُ بِإصْلاحِها أعْضَلَ داؤُهُ وأعْيى

206. One whose grief over his soul is prolonged in this world, Allah will give him delight on the Day of Resurrection and put him in the Eternal Abode [in Paradise].

206ـ مَنْ طالَ حُزْنُهُ عَلى نَفْسِهِ فيِ الدُّنيا أقَـرَّ اللّهُ

207. Whoever preoccupies himself with other than his [own] soul falters in the darkness and becomes entangled in [a web of] destruction.

207ـ مَنْ شَغَلَ نَفْسَهُ بِغَيْرِ نَفْسِهِ تَحَيَّرَ فِي الظُّلُماتِ

208. One who does not know himself is distanced from the path of salvation and stumbles in misguidance and ignorance.

208ـ مَنْ لَمْ يَعْرِفْ نَفْسَهُ بَعُدَ عَنْ سَبيلِ النَّجاةِ وخَبَطَ

209. One who advises [and admonishes] himself is worthy of giving advice to others.

209ـ مَنْ نَصَحَ نَفْسَهُ كانَ جَديراً بِنُصْحِ غَيْرِهِ.

210. One who deceives himself is more deceitful with others.

210ـ مَنْ غَشَّ نَفْسَهُ كانَ أغَشَّ لِغَيْرِهِ.

211. One whose soul is honourable, his dissension and disagreement [with the people] is reduced.

211ـ مَنْ كَرُمَتْ نَفْسُهُ قَلَّ شِقاقُهُ وخِلافُهُ.

212. Whoever blames his soul, reforms it.

212ـ مَنْ ذَمَّ نَفْسَهُ أصْلَحَها.

213. Whoever praises his soul, slays it.

213ـ مَنْ مَدَحَ نَفْسَها ذَبَحَها.

214. One whose soul is honourable, this world becomes insignificant in his eyes.

214ـ مَنْ كَرُمَتْ نَفْسُهُ صَغُرَتِ الدُّنيا في عَيْنِهِ.

215. Whoever sells his soul for other than the bliss of Paradise has indeed oppressed it.

215ـ مَنْ باعَ نَفْسَهُ بِغَيْرِ نَعِيمِ الجَنَّةِ فَقَدْ ظَلَمَها.

216. One who does not discipline his soul is disgraced by [its] bad habits.

216ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُهَذِّبْ نَفْسَهُ فَضَحَهُ سُوءُ العادَةِ.

217. One who thinks good of his [own] soul has indeed done more harm to it.

217ـ مَنْ ظَنَّ بِنَفْسِهِ خَيْراً فَقَدْ أوْسَعَها ضَيْراً.

218. Being obedient [to Allah] is from the nobility of the soul.

218ـ مِنْ كَرَمِ النَّفْسِ العَمَلُ بِالطَّاعَةِ.

219. Being obedient [to Allah] is from the God-wariness of the soul.

219ـ مِنْ تَقْوَى النَّفْسِ العَمَلُ بِالطّاعَةِ.

220. Hastening towards obedience [of Allah] is a merit of the soul.

220ـ مِنْ فَضيلَةِ النَّفْسِ المُسارَعَةُ إلَى الطّاعَةِ.

221. Being satisfied at all times is a sign of an honourable soul.

221ـ مِنْ عِزِّ النَّفْسِ لُزُومُ القَناعَةِ.

222. None abases his [carnal] soul but the intelligent one.

222ـ ما حَقَّرَ نَفْسَهُ إلاّ عاقِلٌ.

223. None considers himself to be imperfect [and disparages his carnal soul] but the perfect one.

223ـ ما نَقَّصَ نَفْسَهُ إلاّ كامِلٌ.

224. One who sincerely advises others does not deceive himself.

224ـ ما أغَشَّ نَفْسَهُ مَنْ يَنْصَحُ غَيْرَهُ.

225. How blind is the covetous soul to the terrible [and painful] end [it will face]!

225ـ ما أعْمَى النَّفْسَ الطّامِعَةَ عَنِ العُقْبَى الفاجِعَةِ.

226. mankind, what has made you pleased with the destruction of your soul? Is there no cure from your ailment and no awakening from your slumber?! Do you not feel compassion for yourself as you have mercy on others?

226ـ ما آنَسَكَ أيُّهَا الإنْسانُ بِهَلَكَةِ نَفْسِكَ أما مِنْ دائِكَ

227. No servant considers his soul to be honourable but that the world becomes lowly [and insignificant] in his eyes.

227ـ ما كَرُمَتْ عَلى عَبْد نَفْسُهُ إلاّ هانَتِ الدُّنيا في عَيْنِهِ.

228. Cognizance of the self is the most beneficial of all [types of] knowledge.

228ـ مَعْرِفَةُ النَّفْسِ أنْفَعُ المَعارِفِ.

229. Your [carnal] soul is the closest of all your enemies.

229ـ نَفْسُكَ أقْرَبُ أعْدائِكَ إلَيْكَ.

230. Purify your soul of every lowly trait even if it drives you towards the things that you desire.

230ـ نَزِّهْ نَفْسَكَ عَنْ كُلِّ دَنِيَّة، وإنْ ساقَتْكَ إلَى

231. Introspection turns one’s attention to self-reformation.

231ـ نَظَرُ النَّفْسِ لِلنَّفْسِ العِنايَةُ بِصَلاحِ النَّفْسِ.

232. One who is successful in knowing himself has achieved the greatest success.

232ـ نالَ الفَوْزَ الأكْبَرَ مَنْ ظَفِرَ بِمَعْرِفَةِ النَّفْسِ.

233. Purify your souls from the filth of [forbidden] pleasures and the evil consequences of lustful desires.

233ـ نَزِّهُو ا أنْفُسَكُمْ عَنْ دَنَسِ اللَّذّاتِ وتَبِعاتِ

234. Your [carnal] soul is a hostile enemy and an aggressive adversary, if you are unmindful of it, it will kill you.

234ـ نَفْسُكَ عَدُوٌّ مُحارِبٌ، وضِدٌّ مُواثِبٌ إنْ غَفَلْتَ عَنْها

235. Lower yourself from your [rightful] position and people will raise you higher than your rightful position.

235ـ نَزِّلْ نَفْسَكَ دُونَ مَنْزِلَتِها تُنَزِّلْكَ النّاسُ فَوْقَ

236. The souls of the virtuous are averse to the souls of the wicked.

236ـ نُفُوسُ الأبْرارِ نافِرَةٌ مِنْ نُفُوسِ الأشْرارِ.

237. Purify your soul from every vileness and make an effort to perform every noble deed, you will become free from sins and will achieve noble qualities.

237ـ نَزِّهْ عَنْ كُلِّ دَنِيَّة نَفْسَكَ، وابْذُلْ فِي المَكارِمِ

238. The souls of the virtuous are repulsed by the actions of the wicked.

238ـ نُفُوسُ الأبْرارِ تَأْبى أفْعالَ الفُجّارِ.

239. The one who is pleased with himself and relies on that which his soul has made decorous for him, is destroyed.

239ـ هَلَكَ مَنْ رَضِيَ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ، ووَثِقَ بِما تُسَوِّلُهُ لَهُ.

240. The ardent desire of the soul for [forbidden] pleasures misguides and destroys.

240ـ وُلُوعُ النَّفْسِ بِاللَّذّاتِ يُغْوي ويُرْدي.

241. Maintain your self-respect by keeping away from jokes, funny narrations and useless speech.

241ـ وَقِّرُوا أنْفُسَكُمْ عَنِ الفُكاهاتِ، ومَضاحِكِ الحِكاياتِ،

242. Safeguard yourself from the fire whose fuel is men and stones by advancing towards obedience to Allah, eschewing His disobedience and seeking His pleasure.

242ـ وَقِّ نَفْسَكَ ناراً وَقُودُهَا النّاسُ والحِجارَةُ

243. Do not sanction for yourself that [action] which you would disapprove of from others.

243ـ لاتَسْتَحْسِنْ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ مامِنْ غَيْرِكَ تَسْتَنْكِرُهُ.

244. Do not permit yourself to engage in any evil speech or action.

244ـ لاتُرَخِّصْ لِنَفْسِكَ في شَيْء مِنْ سَيِّءِ الأقْوالِ

245. Do not have fear of injustice from your Lord but fear the injustice of yourselves.

245ـ لا تَخافُوا ظُلْمَ رَبِّكُمْ ولكِنْ خافُوا ظُلْمَ أنْفُسِكُمْ.

246. Do not be lenient with your [carnal] soul when it entices you.

246ـ لاتَحْلُمْ عَنْ نَفْسِكَ إذا هِيَ أغْوَتْكَ.

247. Do not defy your soul when it guides you to the right path.

247ـ لاتَعْصِ نَفْسَكَ إذا هِيَ أرْشَدَتْكَ.

248. Do not let your soul be devoid of a thought that increases your wisdom and a lesson that safeguards you [from sin].

248ـ لاتُخِلْ نَفْسَكَ مِنْ فِكْرَة تَزيدُكَ حِكْمَةً وعِبْرَة

249. Never seek the obedience of others while your [own] soul refuses to obey you.

249ـ لاتَطْلُبَنَّ طاعَةَ غَيْرِكَ وطاعَةُ نَفْسِكَ عَلَيْكَ

250. Do not be ignorant of yourself for indeed the one who is ignorant about himself is ignorant about everything.

250ـ لاتَجْهَلْ نَفْسَكَ فَإنَّ الجاهِلَ مَعْرِفَةَ نَفْسِهِ جاهِلٌ

251. Do not abandon struggle in reforming yourself, for indeed nothing but diligence will assist you [to achieve this].

251ـ لاتَتْرُكِ الاِجْتِهادَ في إصْلاحِ نَفْسِكَ فَإنَّهُ لايُعْينُكَ

252. Never declare war against Allah for there is no power that can protect you from His wrath and you can never be free from need for His mercy.

252ـ لاتَنْصَبَنَّ نَفْسَكَ لِحَرْبِ اللّهِ فَلايَدَ لَكَ بِنَقْمَتِهِ

253. Do not permit yourself to submit to vain desires or to prefer the pleasures of this world such that your faith gets corrupted and cannot be reformed and your soul loses and does not gain.

253ـ لاتُرَخِّصْ لِنَفْسِكَ في مُطاوَعَةِ الهَوى وإيثارِ لَذّاتِ

254. Do not surrender yourself to the deception of covetousness and do not respond to the call of greed, for indeed these two [traits] reap wretchedness and disgrace.

254ـ لاتُمَلِّكْ نَفْسَكَ بِغُرُورِ الطَّمَعِ ولاتُجِبْ دَواعِيَ

255. One who cannot control his [carnal] soul is not safe from [the wrath and punishment of] Allah.[^2]

255ـ لايَسْلَمُ عَلَى اللّهِ مَنْ لايَمْلِكُ نَفْسَهُ.

256. A person has no enemy worse than his [own carnal] soul.

256ـ لاعَدُوَّ أعْدى عَلَى المَرْءِ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ.

257. The soul does not become devoid of hope until it comes upon death.

257ـ لاتَخْلُو النَّفْسُ مِنَ الأمَلِ حَتّى تَدْخُلَ فِي الأجَلِ.

258. There is none stronger than he who overpowers his soul thereby gaining mastery over it.

258ـ لاقَوِيَ أقْوى مِمَّنْ قَوِيَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ فَمَلَكَها.

259. There is no one more powerless than he who neglects his soul thereby destroying it.

259ـ لاعاجِزَ أعْجَزُ مِمَّنْ أهْمَلَ نَفْسَهُ فَأهْلَكَها.

260. It behoves the one who knows himself to espouse contentment and chastity.

260ـ يَنْبَغي لِمَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ أنْ يَلْزَمَ القَناعَةَ

261. It behoves the one who knows the honour [and value] of his soul to purify it from the lowliness of this world.

261ـ يَنْبَغي لِمَنْ عَلِمَ شَرَفَ نَفْسِهِ أنْ يُنَزِّهَها عَنْ

262. It behoves the one who knows himself not to separate [himself] from sadness and caution.

262ـ يَنْبَغي لِمَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ أنْ يُفارِقَهُ الحُزْنُ

263. It behoves a man to guard his soul, watch over his heart and protect his tongue.

263ـ يَنْبَغي أنْ يَكُونَ الرَّجُلُ مُهَيْمِناً عَلى نَفْسِهِ،

264. It behoves the one who wants to reform himself and protect his religion to avoid mingling with people who seek [the wealth and pleasures of] this world.

264ـ يَنْبَغي لِمَنْ أرادَ صَلاحَ نَفْسِهِ وإحْرازَ دينِهِ أنْ

265. It behoves the one who knows himself not to be separated from caution and regret out of fear of falling into error.

265ـ يَنْبَغي لِمَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ أنْ لايُفارِقَهُ الحَذَرُ

266. How befitting it is for a person to have a fixed time, when he is not distracted by anything, in which he holds his soul to account and looks at what he has earned for and against it in its night-time and daytime.

266ـ ما أحَقَّ الإنْسانَ أنْ تَكُونَ لَهُ ساعَةٌ لايَشْغَلُهُ عَنْها

267. None is enviable except the one whose endeavour is [to purify] his soul and who does not neglect to regularly hold it to account, demand answers from it and struggle against it.

267ـ مَا المَغْبُوطُ إلاّ مَنْ كانَتْ هِمَّتُهُ نَفْسَهُ لايُغِبُّها

268. A person’s rebuking [and finding fault with] his own soul is evidence of the soundness of his intellect and the symbol of his abundant merit.

268ـ إزْراءُ الرَّجُلِ عَلى نَفْسِهِ بُرهانُ رَزانَةِ عَقْلِهِ،

269. The greatest mastery is mastery over the soul.

269ـ أعْظَمُ مِلْك مِلْكُ النَّفْسِ.

270. Control the passion of your soul, the intensity of your rage, the power of your hand and the sharpness of your tongue, and guard against all these by delaying the initiation of any action and refraining from using force until your rage subsides and you recover your senses.

270ـ اِمْلِكْ حَمِيَّةَ نَفْسِكَ، وسَوْرَةَ غَضَبِكَ، وَسَطْوَةَ

271. Take control over your vain desires and the distress of your soul, for indeed the distress of the soul lies in acting equitably in [both] the things which it loves and [in those which it] hates.

271ـ اِمْلِكْ عَلَيْكَ هَواكَ وشَجى نَفْسِكَ، فَإنَّ شَجَى النَّفْسِ

272. The one who keeps his soul steadfast against the temptations of worldly pleasures is a master [over it] and the one who neglects it is destroyed.

272ـ ضابِطُ نَفْسِهِ عَنْ دَواعِي اللَّذّاتِ مالِكٌ وَمُهْمِلُها

273. Self-restraint during times of anger saves one from situations that lead to harm.

273ـ ضَبْطُ النَّفْسِ عِنْدَ حادِثِ الغَضَبِ يُؤْمِنُ مَواقِعَ

274. Self-restraint during desire and fear is from the most excellent etiquette.

274ـ ضَبْطُ النَّفْسِ عِنْدَ الرَّغَبِ والرَّهَبِ مِنْ أفْضَلِ

275. Every person who relies on himself [instead of Allah] is thrown [into destruction].

275ـ كُلُّ مُعْتَمَد عَلى نَفْسِهِ مُلْقىً.

276. Whoever is deceived by his soul is delivered by it to places of destruction.

276ـ مَنِ اغْتَرَّ بِنَفْسِهِ أسْلَمَتْهُ إلَى المَعاطِبِ.

[^1]: Meaning give charity from it during your lifetime and do not leave this for others to do after your death.

[^2]: Or: One who cannot control his [carnal] soul does not submit to Allah.