FROM MAULANA’S DESK

the result of al-nafs al-ammara and positive behaviour is the result of al-nafs al-lawwama. The ego, if left uncontrolled becomes the source of all evil, for it is a highly inflammable part of man. In a normal situation, it remains in a dormant state, but when one’s ego is negatively touched, it becomes superego and the result is breakdown. The best way to avoid an ego problem is not to provoke it. In the absence of provocation, the ego creates no problem. But provoke the ego and it is like setting a lighted match to a powder keg. By contrast, the conscience is the source of all kinds of good. The conscience checks you from indulging in any evil practices, and if you do indulge in any kind of misdemeanour, the conscience becomes alive and compels you to repent and amend your behaviour. The conscience in this way serves as a corrective to every human personality. This means whenever there is any controversy, the outcome is in your own hands. A man with a mission always perseveres and avoids hindrances: This principle is very important; it saves you from unnecessary conflict. It gives you the opportunity to continue your mission in society without a break. It saves you from wasting your energy and time in futile quarrels. It shows great practical wisdom. And without practical wisdom, you cannot achieve any worthy goal in this world. A man with a mission cannot afford to engage in unnecessary conflict. As a man of dedication, he is determined about achieving his target. He always starts his activities in properly selected fields and never behaves like a grasshopper, jumping from one thing to another. o Maulana Wahiduddin Khan editor@thespiritofislam.org Follow Maulana at speakingtree.in (Times of India) Society is like a train which we need to mobilize, but this mobilization cannot be achieved without an engine to lead the way. In a normal situation anyone can adhere to moral values, but the real test of a worthy person is his having the capacity to speak with justice even in difficult situations.