"And We will surely test you until We make evident those who strive among you [for the cause of Allah] and the patient, and We will test your affairs." —Qur'an 47:31

The spiritual path is realized through psychological work upon the lower soul: nafs, defects, vices, or egos. By comprehending desires, the practical meditator develops genuine effort to affect profound transformations, defined by states of vivid intensity, clarity, awareness, and serenity. In this way, the consciousness wages a holy war against the internal causes of suffering, solely equipped with the weapons of intelligence, patience, equanimity, and compassion.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/striving

Sufi Principles of Meditation 10 Striving