وَرَاعِهَـا وَهْيَ فِي الأَعْمَالِ سَـائِمَةٌ     وَإِنْ هِيَ اسْتَحْلَتِ الْمَرْعٰى فَلاَ تُسِـمِ

20/8. And watch over it (your nafs) while it is grazing in (the field of) righteous actions; and if it enjoys the grazing land, do not let it roam (graze) freely.

A person has to be conscious of his nafs, even when he is engaged in performing righteous deeds.

Firstly, it must not happen that a person exceeds the limits in performing an act of worship, thereby leaving out other important acts and duties.

For example, a person performs so many rak’ats of nafl salaah at night, but cannot awaken for Fajr the next morning. Another example is that of a person who keeps so many nafl fasts that he becomes weak, eventually leading him to a state wherein he cannot even perform his fardh duties
and obligations.

Umar RadhiAllaahu Anhu once did not see Sulaymaan ibn Abu Hathma RadhiAllaahu Anhu for the Fajr salaah.

Umar RadhiAllaahu Anhu was on his way to the market that morning, and because Sulaymaan RadhiAllaahu Anhu's house happened to be between the Masjid and the marketplace, Umar RadhiAllaahu Anhu passed by Sulaymaan RadhiAllaahu Anhu's mother, Shifaa RadhiAllaahu Anhuma.
"I did not see Sulaymaan for the Fajr salaah," Umar RadhiAllaahu Anhu said.
She explained, "He spent the night in salaah and sleep overpowered him."
To this, Umar RadhiAllaahu Anhu remarked, "I prefer attending the Fajr salaah in congregation to standing in salaah all night."
(Maalik no. 432)

Secondly, a person should ensure that he fulfils the rights of his own self as well. He does not exert himself to such an extent that he causes himself mental or physical harm.

Many times, a person reads incidents of the people of the past and wants to execute those exercises and sacrifices. One should ensure that these are done under the supervision and advice of a Kaamil Sheikh as people of this age are very weak. It should not happen that a person, whilst trying to fulfil an optional act, destroys or causes harm to himself, as this is totally forbidden.

Moulana Thaanwi Rahimahullaah has written, “Man’s life is the property of Allaah Jalla Jalaalahoo, and He has imposed upon us rights with respect to our own lives. Life has been bestowed to us as a trust. It is thus incumbent to utilize and guard this trust according to the Divine Command. Amongst the rights incumbent upon us in respect of our selves are:

a. The protection of our health and strength

b. The guarding of our peace of mind. This means to refrain from any such activity which unnecessarily imposes strain and frustration. Neglect in these rights results in interference with one’s deen. Peace of mind and courage are destroyed, and as a consequence, one will fail to render service to others. At times, due to frustration and weakness, one’s condition deteriorates to the extent where one’s very imaan is in danger. This grave condition is a result of impatience and ingratitude, aggravated by frustration and depression which overtakes one who has failed in fulfilling the rights of his own body and soul.”
(Hayaatul-Muslimeen, rooh ten page 104)

Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “Your body too has a right over you, your eyes too have a right over you.”
(Bukhaari no. 1975/5199/6134, Muslim no. 1159)

Ibn Abbaas RadhiAllaahu Anhu narrates,

“Whilst Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wasallam was delivering a sermon, he saw a man standing. So he asked about him.
The Sahaabah RadhiAllaahu Anhum said, ‘He is Abu Israa’eel. He took a vow that he will stand in the sun. He will neither sit, go in the shade, nor speak, and that he will fast forever.’
Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wasallam said, ‘Go and tell him that he should speak, go in the shade, sit, and complete his fast.’”
(Bukhaari no. 6704)

Aa’ishah RadhiAllaahu Anhuma narrates that Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wasallam came to her when there was a woman with her.
He asked, “Who is this?” She replied, “This is so and so.”
Aa’ishah  RadhiAllaahu Anhuma then spoke about how much of salaah she offers [and how devoted she is in her acts of worship].
Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “Desist [from all that]! You should only do what is within your capacity. By Allaah! Allaah continues giving reward [and never gets tired] but you will become tired. The most beloved obedience in His sight is that which the person steadfastly adheres to.”
(Bukhaari 43/1151, Muslim 785)

Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “The religion [of Islam] is easy. The person who imposes [undue] hardships in religious matters over himself, they [the religious matters] will overwhelm him [and he will not be able to fulfil them]. You should therefore remain moderate, do as much as you possibly can, and rejoice [over the reward for good deeds that are steadfastly performed]. Seek help [in fulfilling acts of worship] in the morning, the evening, and in the latter part of the night.”
(Bukhaari no. 39)

Another narration states: “Remain moderate, and do as much as you possibly can. [Fulfil acts of worship] in the morning, the evening, and in the latter part of the night. Remain moderate, remain moderate, and you will reach your goal.”

This means that you should take advantage of the appropriate times for the remembrance of Allaah Jalla Jalaalahoo by doing good deeds when you are fresh and your heart is clear [of all worries and tensions]. In so doing, you will enjoy your worship, you will not become bored, and you will reach your goal.

This is similar to an experienced traveller who travels during these times, and takes a rest, along with his conveyance at other times. In so doing, he reaches his destination without any fatigue. And Allaah Jalla Jalaalahoo knows best!

Once Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wasallam entered the masjid and saw a rope tied between two pillars.
He asked: “What is this rope for?”
The Sahaabah RadhiAllaahu Anhum replied, “Zaynab tied this rope. When she gets tired [after engaging in acts of worship], she takes support from it.”
Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “Untie this rope. You should offer salaah when you are fresh [and energetic]. And when you get tired, you must lie down.”
(Bukhaari no. 1150. Muslim no. 219)

Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “When any of you feels sleepy while offering salaah, he should lie down so that his sleepiness goes away. When a person offers salaah in a sleepy state, it is likely that he will unwittingly swear himself instead of seeking forgiveness.”
(Bukhaari no. 212, Muslim no. 784)

To be Continued In Sha Allaah

مَوْلَاىَ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّمْ دَائِمًا أَبَداً  عَلىٰ حَبِيْبِكَ خَيْرِ الْخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمِ