Happiness is attained by three things: being patient when tested, being thankful when receiving a blessing, and being repentant upon sinning.
Ibn Qayyim Al-JawziyyaRead
There is no captive in a worse state than the one who is captivated by his worst enemy (Shaytan) and there is no prison which is tighter than the prison of hawa (desire) and there is no bond/fetter more strong than the bond of desire. How, then, will a heart which is captivated, imprisoned and fettered travel unto Allah and the Home of the Hereafter?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the destructive nature of uncontrolled desires and how they can imprison the heart, hindering spiritual growth.
Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya reflects on the perilous state of a person who is overwhelmed by their desires, which he equates to a form of captivity. He warns that such desires can serve as our worst enemies, creating a prison that prevents true connection with Allah and the pursuit of the afterlife. This implies that freedom and spiritual fulfillment can only be attained by overcoming these inner battles.
Themes
DesireCaptivitySpiritualityFreedomInner Peace
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming personal struggles and desires.
More from Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya
All quotes →The keys to the life of the heart lie in reflecting upon the Quran, being humble before Allah in secret, and leaving sins.
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As long as you are performing prayer, you are knocking at the door of Allah, and whoever is knocking at the door of Allah, Allah will open it for him.
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Satan rejoiced when Adam (peace be upon him) came out of Paradise, but he did not know that when a diver sinks into the sea, he collects pearls and then rises again.
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One of the most beneficial of remedies is persisting in du’a.
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The heart becomes sick, as the body becomes sick, and its remedy is al-Tawbah (repentance) and protection [from transgression]. It becomes rusty as a mirror becomes rusty, and its clarity is obtained by remembrance. It becomes naked as the body becomes naked, and its beautification is al-Taqwa. It becomes hungry and thirsty as the body becomes hungry, and its food and drink are knowledge, love, dependence, repentance and servitude.
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