Consequently, it is necessary to align the aql and the nafs so that everyone is oriented positively on the right path, these two faculties must be vigilantly orchestrated for this to happen. Aql was given to man so that he could exercise his intelligence and reasoning to understand the Revelation given by God (Nasr, 1979). It is used to acquire and absorb knowledge (Akhir, 2012). Gulen (2009) mentions how reason seeks light, a spiritual light, and therefore one gains aql. According to Nasr (1979), it is Revelation that sheds light, which in turn installs intellect and reason in a person and enables him to function to his full potential. It is crucial to go into the depths of spiritual nature and allow the aql to absorb this light, which in turn will give it the ability to decipher God's Revelation. It is the aql who can make sense of the grandeur of the creation of this universe, or at least try to grasp this concept, by reading the Quran. As mentioned previously, aql, an integral part of the practical faculty, is at the origin of human behavior (Akhir, 2012). Thus, if he is disciplined in the performance of his religious duties, he will not allow himself to be led astray by other entities, such as the nafs. The nafs cannot remain asleep in its lowest form and must aspire to advance in goodness, which in turn will synchronize with the aql, and therefore be guided and disciplined to pray and remember God. Understanding these obligatory duties and practicing them are part of the positive spiritual journey of every Muslim. This will encourage the nafs in the right direction, dissuade them from their bad feelings and desires, and both faculties can remain focused on what is truly fundamental in their spiritual journey (Gulen, 2009). One must aspire to cleanse the nafs so that it can be...... middle of paper ......ald Hills of the Heart: Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism. New Jersey: Tughra Books. Nasr, S.H. (1979). Intellect and intuition: their relationship from the Islamic point of view. Studies in Comparative Religion (Vol 1, No. 1 & 2). World Wisdom, Inc. Nawawi, Y. (nd). Fighting the ego (Jihad-an nafs). Retrieved from http://spa.qibla.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=776&CATE=3 Yusuf, H (nd). Ascent of Mount Purgatorio: reflections from the seventh cornice. Retrieved from http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zaytunacollege.org%2Fdownload.php%3Ff% 3DYusuf_-_Climbing_Mount_Purgatorio.pdf&ei=K512U6-IM4PokAXhu4DAAg&usg=AFQjCNGALzKaAnOrXUi2b5yOOs0VCqoP1g&bvm=bv.66917471,d.dGIZarabozo, J. -DM (2002). Purification of the soul: Concept, process and means. Denver, CO: Al-Basheer Publications and Translations