Hadhrat Mawlana Masihullah Khan (may Allah have mercy on him) said,

The reality of spiritual struggle (mujahada) consists in the habitual practice of opposing the lower self (nafs).

In other words, it is to check and control the physical, pecuniary, egotistical, and mundane desires, delights and preferences of the lower self in persuit of the obedience and the good pleasure of Allah Most High.”

The Path to Perfection, page 36