Doubts, Desires, and What to Do

The shaikh, Dr. Muḥammad ibn Ghālib Al-ʿUmarī, may Allāh protect him, said:

A person goes off [the Straight Path] because of either desires or doubts.

As to the first [reason, falling into sinful desires], then preventing [that] happens by cutting off the causes that lead to [it], along with thinking about how vile the situation would be [to fall into the desire] and how low. Getting rid of [the situation, once someone has fallen into a sinful desire], is by leaving [the sin], repenting [from it], and regretting [falling into it].

As for the second reason, [falling into doubts], then preventing [that] happens by keeping away from the sources [of doubts] and those who call to [doubts], and closing shut [one’s] eyes and ears from [ever] taking them in. Getting rid of [doubts] is by asking the People of Insight.

[Take note of both reasons for deviation], even if the danger of [the second reason, doubts], were more severe than that of the former, [desires].