The Self in the Holy Quran

Author: Prof. Dr. Mohamed Amhazoun

Whoever adheres to the teachings, laws, and rulings of Islam will know that they give special attention to understanding the self, calling for its cultivation, purification, refining its nature, and correcting its deviations. This is to curb its inclinations towards evil, leading to its surrender, and to propel it towards good through obedience and responsiveness. Allah Almighty says: "And fear a Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged." [Al-Baqarah: 281]. Indeed, the wise person is one who considers that Day when their soul will return to Allah, who will hold them accountable for their deeds in this world, whether good or evil. They compel themselves to obey Allah, prevent themselves from disobeying Him, and wean themselves from forbidden desires, so that they may adhere to Allah's command and act according to the standards and balances of the true Sharia, to attain eternal happiness in the gardens of bliss.