How can one struggle against oneself and one's bad traits, such as talking to oneself and the obscene whispers that come to mind when reading the stories of the prophets? And is one sinful or rewarded for one's inner distress that one conceals from others, especially when dealing with parents?

Striving against the self (mujahadat al-nafs) involves compelling it to do what it dislikes until it becomes accustomed to and familiar with it, and refraining from disobedience while gently and kindly guiding it towards obedience. The condition for this struggle is seeking Allah's help and being sincere to Him. Whoever is sincere in their struggle against their self will rarely fail. As for feelings of distress, self-talk, or whispers (waswas), these do not harm or burden the Muslim with sin; rather, suppressing them and disliking them are signs of sincere faith, for which one is rewarded. One must continue to strive against them and disregard them.