Man’s struggle with himself
In an attempt to satisfy his physical and spiritual needs, man is sometimes caught in the middle of a struggle between the two needs. Sometimes his physical needs may try to dominate his spiritual needs and vice versa.
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The Quran mentions the above struggle when it states among other things:
“So as for he who transgressed and preferred the life of the world. Then, indeed, hellfire will be (his) refuge. But as for he who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from (unlawful) inclination. Then, indeed, Paradise will be (his) refuge”. Quran 79:37-41.
Yes, that is the struggle between material dictates and spiritual dictates of the self that may either lead him/her to hell or heaven.
A Balancing act
The best remedy for addressing the struggle between physical and spiritual needs of the human self is to maintain a balancing act between the two forces.
What I mean by a balancing act is that the self should not live totally as a physical being concerned solely with his bodily needs; and he should not live totally again as a spiritual being obsessed only by his spiritual needs.
The Quran has pointed out this balancing act in the following words:
“But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and (yet), do not forget your share of the world”. Quran 28:77.
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Yes, that is how it goes. A real balancing act! The self is to seek the pleasure of the Creator which is a spiritual objective. But, he should not also forget of his share of this world.
However, I would like to state in the pursuit of one’s share of this world that he should strongly be guided by the dictates of the Creator in respect of what is permissible and what is forbidden.
Additionally, the believing self is to use his share in this world to attain the pleasure of the Almighty Allah through the provison of support for those in need and for the service of Allah, the Almighty.
In brief, a balancing act dictates that the believing self believes in Allah, the Almighty, offers prayers and other forms of raw worship and at the same time satisfies the bodily needs within the confines of what Allah, the Almighty, has permitted.
Consequently, for example, he eats, drinks, marries,… etc within the borders of what Allah, the Almighty, has made permissible.
The writer is a Theologian/Educationist([email protected])