Divine Supervision and Enhancement of Self-Control
Many Islamic beliefs emphasized in the Holy Book boost self-control. For example, the belief in divine supervision. The Quran says humans are in God’s presence and He sees the truth of their deeds. “Does he not realize that God sees him?” (Verse 14 of Surah Al-Alaq)
Divine supervision has unique features. First of all, it covers all aspects of life.
“God is watchful over all things.” (Verse 52 of Surah Al-Ahzab)
Second, there is not the slightest action that is overlooked. On the Day of Resurrection, evil-doers will be shocked by this: “When the record of every one's deeds is placed before him, you will see the criminals terrified from what the record contains. They will say, ‘Woe to us! What kind of record is this that has missed nothing small or great?’ They will find whatever they have done right before their very eyes. Your Lord is not unjust to any one.” (Verse 49 of Surah Al-Kahf)
Third, in addition of divine supervision, there are angels who register every deed of the people: “Yet over you there are watchers, noble scribes who know of all that you do.” (Verses 10-12 of Surah Al-Infitar)
Knowing this makes one feel the presence of God and angels, which enhances self-control.
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The fourth feature is that one will see the essence and truth of every deed in full on the Day of Judgment. “On the day when every soul will see its good and bad deeds right before its very eyes.” (Verse 30 of Surah Al Imran)
So one’s attitude and approach to the relation between this world and the next will lead to enhancement of self-control. If one thinks carefully about the fact that his eternal life in the hereafter depends on how he lives in this world, he would be very careful about the details of his words and deeds as he realizes that the pleasures of worldly life are trivial.
“Say: ‘The pleasure of this life is little. The Everlasting Life is better for the cautious.’” (Verse 77 of Surah An-Nisa)
