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What is the way to win over lust, anger, fear, tension, ego?

To win over negative emotions such as lust, anger, fear, tension, and ego, Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of self-control, remembrance of Allah, and humility.

For lust, it is essential to recognize its nature and take proactive measures. The Prophet ﷺ taught about the inevitable share of desires that each person will face, stating: I have not seen anything more similar to lust than what Abu Huraira narrated from the Prophet: Allah has decreed for the son of Adam his share of adultery, which he will inevitably reach. The adultery of the eyes is the glance, the adultery of the tongue is speech, the soul desires and longs, and the private parts confirm or deny that. And the two hands commit adultery through their grasp, and the two feet commit adultery by walking towards temptation. The mouth commits adultery through kissing, and the ears commit adultery by listening. Sunan Abu Dawud 12:107SunniSahih (per Al-Albani). This highlights the need for vigilance regarding our senses and actions.

When it comes to anger, controlling one's temper is crucial. The Prophet ﷺ advised that the strong person is not the one who can overpower others, but rather the one who controls himself when angry. This is reinforced in the narrations, which emphasize the importance of patience and restraint. For example, Sahih Muslim recounts: The strong man is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the strong man is the one who controls himself when angry. Sahih Muslim 45:140SunniSAHIH.

Fear and tension can be alleviated through prayer and seeking help from Allah. The Qur'an instructs believers to Seek help in patience and prayer; and truly it is hard save for the humble-minded. 2:45. This teaches that relying on prayer can provide comfort and strength in difficult times.

Ego can be counteracted by humility and self-awareness. The Qur'an emphasizes obedience to Allah and the Messenger, which fosters humility: And obey Allah and the messenger, that ye may find mercy. 3:132. Recognizing our limitations and the mercy of Allah helps diminish ego and fosters a spirit of gratitude and submission.

Ultimately, the path to overcoming these inner struggles lies in sincere repentance, constant remembrance of Allah, and striving to embody the virtues taught by the Prophet ﷺ.

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