Thus, every person must look deep within himself and see...

Thus, every person must look deep within himself and see what prohibited things he has a desire to perform so that he can refrain from those things. However this point should also be kept in mind that it is difficult for a person to recognize these things by himself as sometimes there are characteristics within a person that he would not realize he has and maybe after the passing of sixty years of his life, he would then realize that he has these defects. Why is this so?

It is because a person never looks at his own self and tries to pick out his own faults and short-comings. If a person would like to advance in the spiritual areas of his life and reach to the higher levels of spirituality, then he must look at his own self with a very critical eye so that he is able to pick out his weak points.

It is for this reason that it has been said that when one wants to recognize one's own weak points and defects, then he should rely on his enemies or friends who will sincerely criticize him (not those who would hide his defects). However, better than all of this is when a person learns to criticize himself.

If a person knows what forbidden acts he loves to perform then he knows where his defects and slips are and through what channels Shaitan tries to get to him and make use of him, then he will never be held captive by his lower desires or the Shaitan.

In the words of the poet, Mawlavi: نفس اژدهاست او كى مرده است از غم بى آلتى افسرده است It is for this reason that the Prophet (S) has said, “The best of people is the one who even though has the liking (to commit a sin) and has the power and ability (to oppress others) is fair and just, and even though he has status, he is still humble.” This advice is addressed to all people, especially the Scholars ('Ulama), but why?