By Hanif Qamar

ISLAMABAD, Monday, June 16, 2025 (2025): A person becomes accustomed to living with certain contradictions within himself, yet becomes infuriated when he sees the same contradictions in others — ready to fight and even die over what he perceives as his rights being denied. But deep down, he knows this is not a struggle for justice or fairness; rather, it is a personal battle driven by instincts seeking superiority.

With a little self-reflection, one can begin to recognize this contradiction. As the Qur’an says: “Rather, man is a witness against himself” (Surah Al-Qiyamah: 14) and “Why do you say what you do not do?” (Surah As-Saff: 2)

Why does this happen?

The Qur’an explains that this is the work of Satan, who enters through the doors of human ego and instinctive desires, and then covers them with attractive promises like the struggle for rights and justice: “And Satan made their deeds attractive to them and diverted them from the path” (Surah Ankabut: 38)

On the other hand, if a person distances himself from the flood of his instincts and begins to act with reason and awareness, it becomes clear to him that the same evil he is fighting against has deeply taken root within his own self.
This clarity of mind enables a person to adopt humility and see matters through the lens of justice.

One major reason for our numerous external problems is that our inner self often remains beyond our critical gaze. It becomes a graveyard of unresolved contradictions, which inevitably affect our external relationships and lead to conflict.

If only… my Lord would grant me the sharpest vision to see my inner contradictions — and bless me with a heart whose primary concern is to correct them.