In the pursuit of spiritual growth, several internal obstacles can hinder one’s journey towards closeness to God. Among the most significant of these are the self (nafs), whims (hawa), selfish desires (shawa). Understanding and managing these tendencies is crucial for maintaining focus and devotion in one’s spiritual practice.
Understanding the Enemies to the Path
3 Internal Aspects Within the Seeker
There are 3 internal aspects to understand as as seeker on the Path:
- Desire (shawa).
- The self (nafs).
- Whims (hawa).
Shawa refers to the strong inclination to do something at a given time. For example, one might feel a strong desire to watch a TV series. This desire in itself is neutral and can simply reflect personal interests or inclinations. However, while such desires are a natural part of human experience, they require mindful management to ensure they do not overshadow more meaningful pursuits.
The nafs represents one’s selfish desires, often with no regard for the consequences in relation to God. For instance, the desire to watch a TV series can become an expression of the nafs if it leads one to forgo an act of ibadah (worship) that they were supposed to perform. The nafs, when left unchecked, can drive a person away from their spiritual responsibilities, prioritizing immediate gratification over long-term spiritual growth.
Hawa refers to whims or actions taken without substantial reason, often driven by caprice. An example would be finishing a TV series in one sitting and then suddenly deciding to start a new one “just because.” These impulsive actions often lack direction and can distract from more intentional and beneficial activities.
Spiritual Implications of the Aspects
Nafs, hawa, and shawa have significant spiritual implications. In certain situations, these elements can lead a person away from God, resulting in sinful behavior. Even when the actions motivated by these desires are not overtly sinful, they can occupy one’s time and attention, diverting focus from God. Though such distractions might be permissible, they are not necessarily beneficial in a spiritual context. By understanding and managing nafs, shawa, and hawa, individuals can make more conscious decisions that align with their spiritual goals, ensuring that their actions contribute to their growth in faith and closeness to God.
3 Great Enemies to the Path
There are 3 great enemies to the spiritual Path to God:
- One’s self (nafs) and whims (hawa).
- Worldliness (dunya).
- Misgivings, doubts, and delusions from Shaytan.
The nafs and hawa can be one’s worst enemies or greatest friends. If you consider yourself your best friend, you risk becoming your own worst enemy by succumbing to whims and desires. Conversely, if you view yourself as your worst enemy, you can become your own best friend by actively combating these impulses. A true friend is one who helps you avoid indulgence in whims, while an enemy encourages behaviors that keep you engaged in them.
Worldliness, or dunya, includes anything that distracts one from God. There is nothing inherently wrong with the world itself; the issue arises when attachment to worldly things hinders one’s relationship with God. This attachment can be disadvantageous and create a spiritual barrier. The key is to engage with the world without letting it divert your focus from divine connection.
The Devil (Shaytan) is considered the ultimate loser, and his efforts are aimed at taking others with him into total loss. His primary goal is to turn people away from God, which is the antithesis of the mission of the prophets, who strive to turn people towards God. Shaytan uses various means, primarily through the chatter of misgivings, doubts, and delusions, to achieve his goal. These mental distractions are his form of advertisement, subtly pulling people away from their spiritual path.