Shaykh Abdur-Rahman explains that the characteristic of the nafs is such that it is always associated with an object of desire. This desire can either be lawful or unlawful. He goes on to advise that the salik can increase their will power against the cravings of the nafs that is calling to other than the pleasure of Allah by firstly, asking Allah for tawfiq (divine enablement) and assistance and secondly, providing for the nafs a substitute for its source of pleasure. By taking on a study regimen of the Islamic sciences the Shaykh mentions that this will feed the nafs with a constant stream of inspiration, drawing itself closer to Allah, His love and His pleasure and weakening its unlawful cravings.