The Nature of Mujaahadah

The reality of Mujaahadah consists of the habitual practice of opposing the nafs (man’s lowly desires). In other words, to check and control the physical, monetary, egoistical and mundane desires and 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

2. Huzooz

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

2. 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.