The passions represent the inclinations of the soul and the ego. They constitute a very strong brake on the spiritual journey undertaken by the servant towards the knowledge and approval of his Lord. To follow the passions is to let the soul dictate what it desires. However, Allah orders us not to be dominated by our passions, but on the contrary to dominate them and to direct them towards good and piety. This struggle against oneself, this personal jihad, is a long-term battle waged against an omnipresent enemy. Speaking of the soul, God tells us: "He who purifies it has succeeded. And he who corrupts it is lost."