The Need for Mujaahadah

“Those who strive in Our Path, We will most assuredly guide them towards Our Paths.”Qur’aan“Fudhaalah Kaamil narrates that Rasulullah (saws)said. ‘The mujaahid is he who makes jihaad(strives) in the obedience of Allah.”Baihaqi. The Nature of Mujaahadah. The reality of Mujaahadah consists of the habitual practice of opposing the nafs (man’s lowly desire).In other words, to check and controlthe physical, monetary, egotistical and mundane desires, delightsand preferences of the nafs in the pursuit of the Pleasure and Obedience of Allah Ta’ala.

Two types of benefits accrue to the nafs.

1. Huqooq

Huqooq (rights or obligations) are such benefits necessary for the endurance and existence of the physical body and life.

2. Huzooz

Huzooz (pleasures, delights, luxuries) are benefits in excess to the huqooq.Mujaahadah and riyaazat (abstinence–forms of austere exercises designed to establish the control of the mind over matter) are directed towards the huzooz. In mujaahadah, reduction or total abstention from the huzooz, (pleasures) are advocated. (Pleasures here refer to lawful pleasures and not to such pleasures which are forbidden in the Shariat).In the employment of mujaahadah, the huqooq (rights and obligations) are not destroyed, for such destruction is contrary to the Sunnat.

The Hadith Shareef states:“Verily, your nafs has a haqq (right) over you…”Destruction of the huqooq brings about physical weakness and the health deteriorates. When this happens, one finds it difficult to execute even the necessary duties and Ibaadaat.

The Need for Mujaahadah A’maal–e–Saalihah (righteous deeds) are always accompanied by labour, toil and difficulty because such a’maal are in conflict with the desires of the nafs. There will always be some form of opposition sometimes great, sometimes slight by the nafs against a’maal. Striving against the nafs is therefore alife–long process.Both the mubtadi and the muntahi are at times faced with lethargy because of conflict in the a’maal.(Mubradi is a beginner in the Path of Tasawwuf). Muntahi one who has attained his goal in Tasawwuf. Both are in need to ward off their lethargy by means of mujaahadah.

However, the mubtadi stands in greater need of mujaahadah in the initial stages, he at times becomes over–confident. But, frequently natural traits and habits return and the consequence is an urge for sinning.The nafs of the muntahi therefore also becomes lethargic at times in obedience. He, therefore, stands in need of mujahadah at such a time.There is, however, a great difference between the mujaahadah of the mubtadi and the muntahi.

The mubtadi is like one who is seated on the back of a horse just trained. The rider of the newly trained horse has to be much more alert and exercise greater control over the horse as such a horse tends to be more mischievous and is apt to go out of control. The muntahi is like a rider seated on the back of a well trained horse. He exercises no great endeavour to maintain the horse under control. Nevertheless,he too has to be alert because even a trained horse sometimes reverts to mischievousness because of its natural animal traits. But, the slightest warning from the rider is sufficient to check the horse. If,however, the rider is totally negligent then even the trained horse will sometimes suddenly drop himfrom its back.

Thus, mujaahadah for the control of the nafs is necessary for the muntahi also.Moderation in Mujaahadah. The purpose of mujaahadah is not to depress and frustrate the nafs, but is to habituate the nafs to difficulty and to eliminate the habit of comfort and luxury. For this purpose that amount of mujaahadah is sufficient which brings some difficulty on the nafs. It is of no benefit to imposeexcessive strain on the nafs and frustrating it. Excessive strain will render the nafs useless. Understand this well. Effort and trial are not always and in all conditions meritorious. It is desirable if in moderation resulting in beneficial progress. Excess in mujaahadah is contemptible, hence observance of moderation is incumbent.

Shaikh Sa’di (rahmatullah alayh) echoes this in the couplet:Eat not so much that it spills from the mouth. Eat not so less that the body is overcome with weakness.                      Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’aan Shareef:“(The servants of Allah are) those who when they spend, do nor waste nor are they miserly. But,between these (extremes of waste and miserliness) they are moderate.”Moderation has therefore to be observed in mujaahadah. But, this moderation should not be prescribed by one’s own opinion and desire. The degree of moderation and the method of mujaahadah should be acquired from a Muhaqqiq (a Shaikh qualified in Tasawwuf and who has been authorised by some spiritual master to spiritually train others).