نبرد پيوسته دشوار انسان با نفس سركش

Manʹs Strenuous and Incessant Fight with Unruly Soul (I)

Imam Sajjadʹs second supplication in the form of the "Khams ʹAshar" supplication is called the "Supplication of those with Complaints"; it is based on three axes, i.e. soul, evil, and heart. This section deals with an identification of the notion, nature and features of the carnal soul. The carnal soul is the factor driving man to fulfilling his animal and vile needs, hindering the flourishing of potentials and exalted aspects in human, and consequently preventing him from achieving his genuine perfection. All desires of human soul are not evil and vicious; rather, these desires and needs are divine blessings and man must give them a divine orientation, making use of them according to rational and religious rules. However, since the carnal soul drives man to sinful acts, making him violate divine rights and injunctions as well as the rights of others, thus driving him towards corruption and decline, it is called ʹcarnal soul1. In Imam Sajjadʹs words, the carnal soul has ten major features, dealt with here.