TOPSome of us are unwary of the presence of the 'base self', but it is there nevertheless. All the representations of the 'base self' are symbols for a core complex of egotistical [self-centered] drives. The choice is between our spirits and our egos; both cannot be free simultaneously. If the inferior self is given free rein, it chokes the spirit. The ego can suppress evidences of the spirit to such an extent that some of us think we are 'soulless' machines. Hence, in order to elevate and liberate our spirits, we must constrain and confine our egos. Only then is spiritual progress possible.
Now the self, or 'I', is a product of Almighty Allah's infinite grace, but being attracted to the world and an intense interest in it's own desires, has dishonored it. It has come under the influence of animal urges, has become bound to lust and thus become animalistic. It has exchanged it's own admirable qualities for the lowly traits of an animal, until the only remaining difference from them is outward form and Satan gains strength from this. This ugly self is an enemy within us. It is tyrannical and impulsive [reckless]. Furthermore, it emerges from under whatever stone it is lurking at the least expected moment, when we think we have defeated it, and forces us to fulfill its shameful demands. Only after everything is over do we realize what has happened, but then the deed is done.
This 'demon' can only be tamed by self-restraint. Give the impulsive 'self' its rights, but deny it its pleasures. Hazrat Sayyiduna Abdul Qadir Jilani (may Allah be well pleased with him), one of the greatest Awliya, says:
The rights of the self are the necessary amount of food, drink, clothing, and shelter. Its pleasures are the things it likes, its lusts, an its caprices [an impulsive change of mind]. Give it its rights in accordance with the measure of the Holy Law. Always feed it with what is Allowed or clean, never that which is Forbidden or tainted. Be content with little, as long as it is allowed. Accustom your self to this.
If you desire liberation, oppose your self where obedient to your Lord is concerned. If your self tends towards obeying Him, co-operate with it. If it inclines towards error, oppose it and struggle against it.
Do not remove the stick of struggle from the back of your self. Do not be fooled by its tricks. It will appear to sleep; do not be taken in. Neither would you be off your guard in the presence of the carnivorous beast that feigns [to give false appearance of] sleep and drowsiness. For it is seeking a chance all the while that it seems lethargic and drowsy. It is in its predatory nature to do so.
Now the self is just like a predator, and it acts as if it were sleepy and drowsy, yet the moment it finds an opportunity, it will strike. This self makes a show of external obedience, docility and compliance with what is good; yet it is hiding the exact opposite within. So be very careful with it in matters where it appears submissive [inclined or willing to submit].
Try to heal your self. Say to it, "Whatever good you do is to your own benefit, and what evil you commit is to your own suffering. Whatever you do, whether good or evil, will return to you." Struggle against your self, for Almighty Allah has said: "Whoever struggles for Our sake, We shall surely guide to the straight path" [29:69], and "If you aid Almighty Allah in His religion, He will aid you" [47:7].
Never give the self any room, never tolerate it. Do not obey its demands. Only then will you find salvation and liberation. Never lower oneself and 'smile at it'. If it tell you a 1000 things, answer only 1, until you are sure its behavior is rectified and it is quiescent [quite, inactive]. If it requests anything belonging to its pleasures and unpredictable desires, always postpone it, saying: "Wait until Paradise." Accustom it to the patience of want. Never accept a word of what it says, for its inclination is always towards EVIL. What it wants you to do is evil, without the shadow of doubt. If you must answer it, let your reply always be negative.
Patience on this Path has an end. Patience is temporally infinite, yet its fruits are finite. [Source: Abdul Qadir Jilani - Fethur Rabbani, pp. 147, 294-97, 461.]