"And whoever strives only strives for [the benefit of] himself. Indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds."
(al-'Ankabut, 29:6)
One can never progress on the path of tazkiyah without mujāhadah (striving against one's nafs and carnal desires) and this, undoubtedly, is very difficult. However, if, with the Help of Allah سبحانه وتعالى,one's mujāhadah is successful, Allah سبحانه وتعالى removes certain veils over one's heart which enables one to see things much clearer and spiritual realities become known. Ultimately, this leads to true faith and the highest rank of ʿubūdiyyah (servitude) to Allah سبحانه وتعالى which is to engage in good deeds and refrain from evil deeds only for the pleasure of Allah سبحانه وتعالى.
[This short excerpt is based on a brothers' majlis (gathering for spiritual training) held by Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq on 10th June 2000]
