After a fierce confrontation between the Muslims and the pagans, victory was granted by Allah to the believers. The battlefield was heavy with silence bodies bore the marks of struggle, faces glistened with sweat, and wounds told stories of sacrifice. Some companions lay motionless, having given their lives in the path of Allah.
In that moment of exhaustion and reflection, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made a statement that shifted their understanding of struggle itself:
“We have returned from the lesser struggle to the greater struggle.”
The companions were astonished. Had they not just endured hardship, fear, and bloodshed? The Prophet (SAW) explained that the greater struggle is the struggle against the self the nafs.
Indeed, the nafs is naturally inclined toward evil. It invites arrogance, laziness, anger, desire, and heedlessness. And the true test of faith is not only how one stands firm in public trials, but how one disciplines the soul in private. This is the essence of today’s khutbah: Self-Discipline.
Without self-discipline, a believer becomes vulnerable to the whispers of Shayṭān and the impulses of the soul. But with it, one gains control, balance, and closeness to Allah.
Steps Toward Self-Discipline
First, purify your intentions. Every action rises or falls on intention. Let sincerity be the root of your deeds. When actions are done solely for the pleasure of Allah, discipline becomes easier and hypocrisy fades away.
Second, work on your personal flaws. Many people fall not because of others, but because of unchecked weaknesses within themselves. A person prone to anger, for example, may be exposed with the slightest provocation.
Do not measure your sins against the sins of others. Comparing flaws leads to self-deception. The failure of another does not justify your own shortcomings.
Third, embrace consistency and determination. Real growth does not happen overnight. Even small, consistent efforts can transform a life. The Prophet (SAW) said:
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.”
Be consistent in your worship, your character, and your values. Trust is built over time but can be destroyed in a moment. A person known for truthfulness risks everything with a single lie.
O servants of Allah, the battle against the self is lifelong but its reward is nearness to Allah and peace of the heart.
Let us conclude with the beautiful supplication taught by the Prophet (SAW), a dua that nurtures self-discipline and devotion:
“Allahumma a‘inni ‘ala dhikrika, wa shukrika, wa husni ‘ibadatika.”
“O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best manner.”
May Allah grant us mastery over our souls and make us among the disciplined and sincere. Ameen.
Indeed, the nafs (soul) is naturally inclined towards evil. And the true struggle of a believer is to discipline the soul so that righteousness overcomes wrongdoing. This brings us to the theme of today’s khutbah: Self-Discipline.
Only through self-discipline can one triumph over the whispers of the soul that constantly invite towards sin and heedlessness.
©MSSN LASUSTECH 2025/2026 EDITORIAL BOARD
