Answered by Shaykh Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf Mangera
How can a person stay on the right path and abstain from doing bad?
Assalamu alaykum
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful
Each person has to struggle with in this in this world, unless one is protected and guided by Allah. One has to constantly take account of himself [muhasaba] and make changes in himself accordingly. Imam Ghazali states in his Minhaj al-‘Abidin that the way to Paradise is an uphill climb whereas Hell is downhill. Hence, their is a struggle to get to Paradise and not to hell, but the reward of Paradise is great. The Prophet Sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Know that the merchandise of Allah is expensive. Know that the merchandise of Allah is Paradise.
Try to gain greater concentration and devotion in your prayer, this will help to eliminate sins from your life. Adopt a wird or litany like the AL-Hizb al-Azam of Mulla Ali al-Qari and this will strengthen you spiritually. Recite at least a set portion of the Qur’an each day and send blessings on the Prophet Sallallahu alayhi wasallam frequently. May Allah grant us all His pleasure and protect us from his anger.
Wassalam
Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf