THE WAY OF PURIFYING ONE’S INNER-SELF: 9 (a talk by Mufti Taqi Usmani DB)

 USE YOUR DETERMINATION TO REFRAIN FROM SINS

 

What happens in reality is that a person tries once or twice to give up a sin. Then when he slips again, he gives up hope and starts thinking that he is helpless. But Shariah says that a person is not helpless. Allah Ta’ala says in the Noble Qur’an;

 

“Allah does not obligate anyone beyond his capacity. (2:286) 

 

Human beings have not been commanded to perform any actions that are beyond their capacity, beyond their control. Whatever they have been commanded to do is within their capacity, it is only a matter of making a vow to oneself and Allah Ta’ala to keep making those efforts. That is why Hazrat Thanvi (may Allah Ta’ala bless him) says that the summary of whole of Tasawwuf is that a person utilizes his determination to keep following Allah Ta’ala’s commandments and protect himself from committing sins. This is a lifelong commitment. There will be times when a person will slip up but do not give up hope. Just renew your vow and determination and start doing the same thing all over again.