HOW CAN I LEARN TO CONTROL MY NAFS?
With Allah’s help, the impossible becomes possible. Allah has created mankind to go through hardship, and we often have to do things that don’t align with our desires. True success comes from resisting haraam desires—that resistance is patience (sabr). Jannah is surrounded by trials and hardship.

CONTROLLING YOUR NAFS

Always remember: you cannot receive true guidance from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala unless you make dua and sincerely ask Him for the strength to improve and become a better Muslim. Without this, you cannot stay firm on Sirat al-Mustaqeem.

Effort (try), dua, and courage are the keys that unlock the path of righteousness.

Even Prophet Yusuf (Alayhis Salaam) made dua and ran from the temptation of Zulaikha when she invited him to sin. He knew the door was locked, but he still ran with taqwa and full reliance on Allah—and Allah opened that door for him.
If you feel like all doors are closed in your life, run to the Lord of Prophet Yusuf—Allah will open doors of provision and goodness for you.

TWO TYPES OF SHAITAN

To survive this life, we must continuously struggle against haraam. This is jihad and sabr.
In Surah An-Naas, Allah mentions two types of Shaitan:

• Shaitan from among jinn (unseen whisperers)
  
  

• Shaitan from among humans (those who cause us to think and act wrongly through their words and behavior)
  
  

These human devils can also corrupt hearts with whispers and negativity. Be aware of such people and always seek refuge in Allah from both kinds of Shaitan.

SHAITAN HAS NO AUTHORITY OVER MAN

Allah says in the Quran, Surah An Nisa, verse 76

Indeed, Satan’s schemes are ever weak.

Allah says in the Quran, Surah Ibrahim, verse 22

In Surah Ibrahim, Allah Almighty has narrated this confession.

And Satan will say ˹to his followers˺ after the judgment has been passed, “Indeed, Allah has made you a true promise. I too made you a promise, but I failed you. I did not have any authority over you. I only called you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me; blame yourselves. I cannot save you, nor can you save me. Indeed, I denounce your previous association of me with Allah ˹in loyalty˺. Surely the wrongdoers will suffer a painful punishment.”

It is only a trial for a man that when the Shaitan tries to seduce him and he refuses to be deceived, the devil can do him no harm.

6 WAYS TO WIN AGAINST YOUR NAFS

1. Offer Two Rakah Nafl

Start by praying 2 rakah nafl asking Allah for patience.

“Seek help through patience and prayer.” – Surah Al-Baqarah: 45

2. Connect with a Good Scholar

Speak to an authentic scholar or sheikh who can guide you, especially if you feel you’re straying from Allah.

3. Fast on Mondays and Thursdays

Fasting helps you fight the nafs. These are Sunnah fasting days, practiced regularly by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

4. Do Dhikr Often

Whenever negative or sinful thoughts come, recite dhikr immediately.
Repeat Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Naas after every salah and whenever you feel disturbed.

5. Keep Yourself Busy

Involve yourself in:

• Blogging
  
  

• Islamic work
  
  

• Starting helpful WhatsApp groups
  
  

• Offering counseling
  Use your energy for Deen and helping others, especially those suffering from depression or hardship.
  Be of benefit to people—and stay close to Allah.
  
  

6. Cut Off Harmful Past Relationships

If you were attached to someone you couldn’t marry—let go.

• Block their contact
  
  

• Delete their number
  
  

• Don’t think about them
  
  

• Offer 2 rakah daily and ask Allah for strength
  Avoid adding strangers on apps like IMO, Snapchat, etc. If you’re easily tempted, uninstall these apps.
  Nothing is impossible—Allah will help you, In Sha Allah. Keep your heart and mind busy in useful, beneficial acts.
  
  

BONUS TOOL: THE JIHAD-AL-NAFS PLANNER

I’ve created a “Jihad Against Nafs” planner available on my FREE ISLAMIC ACTIVITIES PAGE. It includes:

• Daily points to reflect upon from morning to night
  
  

• Activities to purify your soul
  
  

• Mahasabah checklists
  
  

• Accountability tasks
  If you miss a task, you must pray 4 rakah nafl as a form of spiritual discipline.
  
  

With consistency and sincerity, this planner will help you strengthen your connection with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, eliminate sins, and win your battle against nafs and Shaitan, In Sha Allah.

🔗 Visit the FREE ISLAMIC ACTIVITIES PAGE to Download Your Planner
Start your self-purification journey today.