Piety and its impact on the purification of the soul.

 

Piety... that great secret in a world dominated by materialism and tempted by desires, remains a beacon guiding souls to tranquility and peace of mind.  

In the midst of fast-paced life, the pressures of the era, and the fluctuation of values, piety emerges as a safety valve for the spirit, and a stronghold that protects a person from slipping into sins, leading them towards inner peace and true contentment.  

Piety is not merely an empty act of worship, but a state of the heart that makes the servant live in a constant awareness of Allah, both in secret and in public, transforming their life into a perpetual obedience, and their heart into a garden blooming with faith.  

The question arises: What is piety? And why is it so important? What is its relationship with the purification of the soul?  

In this article, we will delve into the depths of the concept of piety, revealing its remarkable effect on the purification of the soul, and how it makes a person a true vicegerent of Allah on earth.

The concept of piety: Protection of the heart and behavior

Piety in language means protection and safeguarding, and in legal terminology it is defined as:

"A person worships their Lord with knowledge and insight, fearing His punishment and hoping for His reward, thus complying with His commands and avoiding His prohibitions."

Scholars have interpreted it as taking protection from God's punishment by obeying His commands and avoiding His prohibitions out of faith, fear, and love. It is a constant feeling that God is with us, seeing us and hearing us, in secret and in public.

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, may God be pleased with him, defined it by saying:

"Piety is fearing the Majestic, acting upon the revelation, being content with little, and preparing for the day of departure."

Talq ibn Habib, may God have mercy on him, said:

"Piety is to act in obedience to God with light from God, hoping for God's reward, and to refrain from disobedience to God with light from God, fearing God's punishment."

Thus, it is not limited to the emotional aspect, but encompasses visible actions, inner intentions, and moral stances.

Purification of the Soul: The Highest Goal for Every Believer

Purification of the soul means cleansing it from vices such as arrogance, envy, hypocrisy, forbidden desires, and excessive love of the world, while cultivating its virtues such as sincerity, humility, patience, mercy, and truthfulness. Allah, the Almighty, has made the purification of the soul the key to success, as He said: {Indeed, he has succeeded who purifies it, and indeed, he has failed who instills it [with corruption]} [Ash-Shams: 9-10]. The soul that is not purified weakens in the face of its desires, deviates from its nature, and becomes a captive to its whims and the whispers of Satan. On the other hand, the purified soul is the one that rises, ascends, and draws closer to Allah.

Scholars have mentioned that there are three levels of piety:

The piety of the general public: which is avoiding polytheism and major sins.

The piety of the special: which is refraining from doubts and disliked actions.

The piety of the very special: which is avoiding what is permissible out of fear of falling into what is forbidden.

The relationship between piety and the purification of the soul: the relationship of cause and effect

Piety is the guaranteed path to the purification of the soul, as a person cannot cleanse their heart and refine their behavior without living in an atmosphere of sincere piety. Here, we highlight some aspects that illustrate this deep connection:

1. Piety purifies the inner self before the outer self

Piety begins from within the heart, making its possessor review their intentions, correct their directions, and monitor the hidden aspects of themselves. If the heart is righteous, the entire body becomes righteous, as the Prophet ﷺ said. Piety cleanses the heart from sins; the more a servant's piety increases, the fewer their sins, and their heart becomes pure. Allah Almighty said: {And fear Allah that you may succeed} (Al-Imran: 200). Likewise, piety enhances self-monitoring (ihsan), as the pious person knows that Allah sees them at every moment, making them shy to disobey Him. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, He sees you." (Agreed upon).

2. Piety drives towards striving and vigilance

Those who live in the fear of God strive against their desires to abandon sins, train themselves in patience, beware of injustice, and are keen on sincerity. This constant striving purifies the soul and nurtures it towards obedience.

3. Piety develops moral sensitivity

The pious do not please people at the expense of the truth, do not remain silent about injustice, and do not betray trusts, because they know that God is watching over them. These values elevate the soul and make it righteous and upright. Thus, piety nurtures virtuous morals such as honesty, trustworthiness, generosity, and patience... all of which are fruits of piety. Allah says: {Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you} (Al-Hujurat: 13).

4. Piety Closes the Doors of Desires

The more a servant's piety increases, the more the fires of desires within him are extinguished. Fasting, remembrance, prayer, and vigilance are all means to close the entrance of Satan to the soul.

5. Piety Achieves Tranquility and Assurance

The heart of the pious is filled with certainty, fearing only God. Thus, the heart remains calm, not fearing a lack of provision or the future, because its owner knows that everything is under God's management. Allah Almighty said: {Indeed, by the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest} (Ar-Ra'd: 28).

The Fruits of Piety in This World and the Hereafter

Piety is not a time-limited act of worship, but rather a permanent state that yields great results for the self, society, and the hereafter. Among these fruits are:

In the self:

Purity of heart and freedom from hatred and jealousy

Love of goodness for others

Inner tranquility and peace that remains unshaken despite life's worries

In behavior:

Bearing responsibility and avoiding injustice

Dealing with people with politeness and respect

Controlling the tongue and limbs from what is forbidden

In daily life:

Blessing in time and sustenance, Allah said: {And if the people of those towns had believed and been conscious of God, We would have opened up to them blessings from the heavens and the earth} (Al-A'raf: 96).

Success in decisions and situations: Because the righteous base their decisions on pleasing Allah, and thus they are in the right place.

Uprightness and steadfastness in the face of trials: The heart of the righteous has immunity against various trials.

Facilitation in matters: Allah said: {And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him ease in his matter} (At-Talaq: 4).

He also said: {And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect.}

Protection from enemies and plots: Allah said: {And if you endure and fear Allah, their plot will not harm you at all} (Al-Imran: 120).

In the Hereafter:

Winning Paradise and being saved from the Fire, Allah said: {Then We will save those who feared Allah} (Maryam: 72).

Safety on the Day of the Greatest Terror: Whoever fears Allah in this world will be safe in the Hereafter.

Entering Paradise: Allah said: {That is the Paradise which We will give as an inheritance to those of Our servants who were righteous} (Maryam: 63).

He also said: {Indeed, the righteous will be in gardens and rivers, in a seat of truth with a Sovereign, Perfect in Ability.}

Looking at the noble face of Allah: Just as you feared Him without seeing Him, you will enjoy the pleasure of looking at His noble face in the Hereafter.

The pleasure of Allah... the greatest gains: Allah said: {And the pleasure of Allah is greater} (At-Tawbah: 72). Indeed, the piety of Allah makes you win His pleasure, and this is a great blessing that He is pleased with you, the One who holds everything in His hand, to grant you a good life in this world and make you among the people of Paradise and the winners of its bounties in the Hereafter.

How do we instill piety and purify ourselves practically?

Planting piety requires sincere will, continuous training, and beautiful patience. Here are some practical means:

1. Consistency with the Quran

Reading and contemplating the Quran reminds the soul of Allah, instills fear in it, and moves the heart towards purification. The Quran is a comprehensive way of life, and it increases faith and softens hearts. Allah says: {A Book We have sent down to you, blessed, that they may reflect on its verses and that those of understanding may be reminded} (Sad: 29).

2. Prayer with humility

Prayer prevents immorality and wrongdoing, and it is a great door to fear and supplication. Maintain it with humility, and you will find its effect in your heart and soul.

3. Self-monitoring

Every evening, review your actions and words. Did you anger someone? Did you lie? Were you sincere? This daily accountability brings the soul back to the right path whenever it strays.

4. Companionship of the Righteous  

Good companionship helps you in piety, reminds you if you forget, and strengthens you in obedience if you weaken.  

A friend influences you, so choose one who aids you in obedience.  

The Prophet ﷺ said: "A person is on the religion of his friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends." (Narrated by Abu Dawood).

5. Continuous Supplication  

Ask Allah to instill piety in your heart, and say as the Prophet ﷺ used to say:  

"O Allah, grant my soul its piety, and purify it; You are the best of those who purify it; You are its guardian and protector."

6. Preservation of Obligatory Acts  

Prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and pilgrimage... all strengthen piety in your heart, so maintain them.

7. Avoiding Forbidden and Doubtful Matters  

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The lawful is clear, and the unlawful is clear, and between them are ambiguous matters that many people do not know. Whoever avoids the ambiguous matters has protected his religion and honor." (Agreed upon).

8. Consistency in Remembering Allah  

Allah Almighty said: {And remember Allah much that you may be successful.} (Al-Jumu'ah: 10).

Indeed, piety is not an optional choice in the life of a believer, but it is the fundamental building block upon which all good is established. It is the most authentic way to purify the soul, refine the spirit, and maintain integrity in speech and action. 

So, shall we begin today the journey of piety? A journey of abandoning sins and embracing virtues, to be among those of whom Allah said: {They are on guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful} (Al-Baqarah: 5). 

"Fear Allah wherever you are, and follow up a bad deed with a good one, and treat people with good character." 

A noble Hadith. 

Let us strive to be among the pious, and let us make piety a banner we live by, not just a slogan we repeat, for through it we attain the pleasure of Allah and find happiness in this world and the Hereafter. 

{And take provision, for indeed, the best provision is piety. And fear Me, O you of understanding} [Al-Baqarah: 197]