WE CAN ABSTAIN FROM SIN

Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has said that we are desirous of quick fix solutions for spiritual diseases that have consumed us for years. We are looking at a simple course of action to neutralise maladies but it must be clearly understood that the only solution is to adopt courage. There is no other cure. Many complain that they do not have the ability to abstain from transgression but this is completely incorrect. Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله states in the Holy Qur’an:
لايكلف الله نفسا إلا وسعها
‘Allah Ta’ala has not burdened a soul with more than it can bear.’

And on the other hand, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله has commanded us:
قل للمؤمنين يغضوا من ابصا رهم ويحفظوا فروجهم
‘Say to the believing men that they should lower their gazes and protect their private parts.’

Hazrat Thaanwi رحمه الله has said that by combining these two verses, we come to learn that the servant has the ability to lower his gaze due to which Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله has issued the command to do so, for no command of His (جل جلاله) is beyond the ability to comply with. We can keep on reinterpreting our inability to abstain from sins because of our ulterior motives but if we sincerely reflect and ponder, we will acknowledge our error because we definitely can abstain from transgression. Yes, there is no doubt that we will experience difficulty initially (to stay away from sins) but this will progressively decrease until we establish the habit of abstention.

Hazrat Thaanwi رحمه الله has said that we are required to adopt a firm resolve and develop control in every aspect of our lives. We have two armies; the first is the army of the Malā’ikah (angels) and the other is the army of the Shayāteen (devils). A constant battle continuously rages between them; the army of the Malā’ikah wanting to save us from sins while the army of the Shayāteen want to entrap us in rebellion. The victory and defeat of either of the armies are dependent on our intention and resolve. If we succumb to sins, we will defeat the army of the Malā’ikah whereas if we adopt courage, then the forces of Shaitān will be overpowered. It is indeed regrettable that we have such immense potential, yet we employ a defeatist attitude saying that we are helpless in giving up sins.

(Information sourced from THE OBJECTIVE by Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله)