The State of the Soul and Human Duties in Self-Cultivation: Precious Sayings of Imam Ali (Peace Be Upon Him)

The State of the Soul and Human Duties in Self-Cultivation

Understanding the nature of the soul, strategies, and methods for cultivating it and guiding it towards proper behavior is a very important matter. The degree to which this is addressed impacts the elevation and growth of individuals. It is stated:

Imam Ali (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

"The soul is predisposed to bad manners, and the servant is commanded to adhere to good manners. The soul, with its nature, acts in the field of opposition, and the servant strives to turn it away from its improper desires. So, if one releases the reins of the soul, he becomes a partner in its corruption. And whoever aids his soul in its desires, he becomes a partner in the killing of his own soul."

• Al-Mustadrak al-Wasa’il and Mustanbit al-Masayil, Vol. 11, p. 138 - Mishkat al-Anwar fi Gharr al-Akhbar, p. 147

Insights, Strategies, and Approaches Regarding the State of the Soul and Human Duties in Self-Cultivation

• The soul is predisposed to bad manners.
• The servant is commanded to adhere to good manners.
• The soul, with its nature, acts in the field of opposition.
• Educators (parents, teachers, and culture shapers) and individuals must both assist the soul in performing good deeds and restrain it from improper actions.
• If individuals or educators release the reins of the soul, they become partners in corruption.
• If individuals or educators allow souls to indulge in improper desires, this act is so reprehensible that it is as if they are partners in the killing of souls.
• Studies and research regarding the soul, its issues, the differences between souls, and the methods for its cultivation, along with the duties of the individual, parents, and educators, before and after birth, must be properly and adequately addressed. The soul is an important subject, and negligence in it leads to deviations, deficiencies, or harm. Often, while physical growth occurs and even human knowledge increases, deficiencies in upbringing remain, and the shortcomings of individuals always affect the commission of sin and the destruction of their personalities. Since individuals influence each other and their generations, these deficiencies can create problems in the essential movement, creating a continuous, flawed, and problematic flow, always accompanied by their societies.
• Factors influencing the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, seminaries, the Ministry of Islamic Guidance, media, press, research institutes, researchers, training centers, parents, all must strive to enhance awareness and knowledge about the soul and to fulfill their responsibilities.
• The content of textbooks and non-textbooks, literature (stories, poetry, prose), research, books, screenplays, films, games, programs, and various content delivery formats (posters, banners, paintings, calligraphy) appropriate for each age group, for parents, children, students, and those interested in reading, culture, and art, must be provided with scholarly and informed guidance to cultivate souls and assist them in divine upbringing.

Source: Gol Afshan Gol Mohammadi

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