Page 35 - The Importance of Following the Good Word

While one of these voices guides him to the truth and to the
good, the other one leads him to that which is wrong and
wicked. Every soul knows this voice. When a helping hand
ought to be extended to another in need, for instance, one of
these voices will suggest that he should do the best he can for
him. The other voice, however, whispers to him that if he
were ever to extend such a helping hand, then he will place
himself in detriment, or diminish his own means, and that
there are others better disposed to provide such assistance,
etc. The voice that whispers the truth and the more hon-
ourable option is the conscience, while the lower soul whis-
pers that which is evil, and is actually the voice of Satan. In
Surat ash-Shams, Allah commands to avoid the wicked ten-
dencies of the lower-soul.
And the self and what proportioned it and inspired it
with depravity or heedfulness, he who purifies it has
succeeded, he who covers it up has failed. (Surat ash-
Shams, 7-10)
As these verses also maintain, Allah inclined the human
soul to both depravity and to the ways to avoid it.
Conscience is that which inspires avoidance of evil, and con-
sistently leads the soul to that which will please Allah.
Compliance to this voice brings about a life of good and con-
tentment, which can lead to earning Allah's approval. The
conscience inspires adherence to the good word, to submis-
sion to Allah, and being more meticulously observant of His
limits, whereas the lower-self commands evil, disbelief and
disregarding the reminders. If a person does not follow his
conscience, then he will conform instead to the inclinations

Complying with the Good Word 33