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Do you know why the 12-step program used in addiction treatment is so successful?

It’s precisely because it starts with the admission of powerlessness and acknowledgment of a higher power, ultimately leading to recovery.

If we analyze our society, we see that it is ornately decorated with temptations and sins.

From gluttony and lust to blatant envy used in advertising and other forms of media, we are constantly under siege.

How, then, do we stay moral in this immoral society?

Consider an intriguing question that has long been up for debate - nature vs. nurture.

In our Islamic tradition, we believe that both are true.

Just as we can train a dog to hunt, we can also educate ourselves to overcome these inherent tendencies through knowledge.

The challenge arises when we think we can accomplish this change on our own.

It’s our sense of pride and arrogance that tells us we can conquer ourselves without help.

That, friends, is a fallacy.

In order to truly overcome ourselves, we need divine support.

It’s only with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala’s help, that we can conquer our tribulations, appetites, and desires.

Yet the irony is that even as we struggle and fail numerous times, we still hesitate to rely on the Divine.

We keep trying independently rather than acknowledging a power far greater than us.

The answer lies in understanding the power of the Divine, acknowledging our inability to purify ourselves independently, and realizing only through Divine intervention can we ward off disobedience.

Our traditional scholars have often relayed that if we find it peculiar or impossible that God can save us from our rampant appetites and heedlessness, we don’t comprehend the boundlessness of Divine power.

The moment we recognize that only Allah has the ability to overcome these hurdles, we are on the path to self-improvement.

On an endnote, remember that sometimes, the disappointments and failures we stumble upon are Allah’s way of leading us to acknowledge the blessings of being in a state of obedience.

Our thirst for success can often lead us astray, so sometimes, it’s necessary to step back, remember our humble beginnings, acknowledge our flaws, and realize that the reality of things lies not just through our perspective but through Allah’s direction.

As we continue on this spiritual journey, the path may be full of obstacles, but let’s remember, every stumble is an occasion to rise stronger, and every sin is a call for repentance.

It’s an ongoing battle of prevailing over our appetites and earthly desires, and the key to winning it is persistence and reliance on the Divine.

Allah’s grace encompasses all, and within it lies our salvation and path to a better self.

Through Allah’s mercy and intervention, we can be truly transformed.

Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so let’s embark on this enlightening journey of self-improvement with Allah as our guide.