wake-up hearts!

Allah SWT said in Surah al-Ankabut; 

Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book 

and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, 

and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do. (45)

[Sahih International]  

I believe that, this ayah is one of the famous ayah among us! But, to what extent did we ponder and think about this ayah? We prayed sharp on time, but at the same time, we behaved immorally and go against Allah's command right? Well, I'm not going to talk about how to gain earnest in prayer. Yet, I'm not a future ustaz ustazah to talk about this. 

However, once, my friend asked our ustaz on how to gain earnest in remembrance of Allah. That ustaz said, "Freed yourself from canker." Brothers and sisters, maybe you are wondering, and let say if you sit in front of beside me right now, you might asked me, "HOW" right? In this post, I'll revealed the steps taken by Hawa and Nafs to conquer our behavior because I always believe that, in order to stop something, we must have at least an idea on how it works.

First, under the fiat of Syaitan, Hawa and Nafs will create an inner fleeting thoughts (khatir/khawatir) inside our hearts. For example, when you see someone dressed in a vogue, improper way, Hawa and Nafs will take this chance to incite your mind, maybe by crafting an idea which states that, "He or she looks sophisticated and up-to-date in that dress!" 

Second, Hawa and Nafs will develop a desire (rughbah) inside your heart! A desire to look cool and chic in front of others just like that someone you see just now. A desire is not enough to totally change your behavior. The next step is by instilling the willingness and determination ('azm) in your heart. At this moment, your heart may whisper, "I wanna be like him or her!" 

Fourth, you will said to yourself, "I must be like him or her!" This is what we called as intention (niyyat). Once you flourished your heart with this intention, Hawa and Nafs will then guide you on how to achieve your unbreakable intention. Then, you will begin with going to shopping complex and buy any fashionable clothes. maybe.

After that, you will try to dress in the same way as the one you see just now. In the so-called funky and happening style! This stage is known as action (fi'l). Finally, you will keep on dressing in that way until it become a part of your life or easily said your habit.

Sorry to say, but it seems too easy for Hawa and Nafs to conquer ourselves right? They are unseen but very cunning! Did you noticed that, they first conquered our heart? That's why Rasulullah SAW said; 

Indeed, and in the body there is a piece of flesh. If it is sound, 

the rest of the body will be sound. If it is corrupt, the rest of the body 

will be corrupt. Indeed, it is the heart!

[al-Bukhari, Muslim & Ibn Hibban]

InsyaAllah, in my next post, I'll share on how to fight against them. With hope, at that time, we are ready for a big battle in our life.