18d • Stories/Lessons 📖
You Soul And Its Desires.
What Is Nafs?
In Islam, nafs refers to the inner self — the soul, ego, and lower desires within a person. It includes tendencies toward lust, pride, anger, greed, and selfishness.
In the Qur’an, Allah mentions different states of the nafs, showing that it is not fixed — it can rise or fall depending on how it is nurtured.
Scholars such as Ibn Al Qayyim رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ explain that the nafs naturally inclines toward evil unless disciplined and purified.
The Three Levels of the Nafs
1️⃣ Nafs al-Ammārah (The Commanding Soul)
This nafs:
- Commands toward sin
- Justifies wrongdoing
- Makes excuses
- Acts impulsively
- Delays repentance
It says things like:
- “It’s not that serious.”
- “Everyone does it.”
- “I’ll repent later.”
This is the lowest level — the ego in control.
2️⃣ Nafs al-Lawwāmah (The Self-Reproaching Soul)
This nafs:
- Feels guilt after sin
- Criticizes itself
- Struggles between right and wrong
- Seeks tawbah (repentance)
- Experiences internal conflict
Example:
A person speaks harshly, then regrets it, feels remorse, and seeks forgiveness.
That guilt is a sign of living iman. The heart is awake. The struggle itself is growth.
3️⃣ Nafs al-Muṭma’innah (The Tranquil Soul)
This nafs:
- Finds peace in dhikr
- Trusts Allah’s decree
- Is not shaken by hardship
- Practices sabr (patience) and shukr (gratitude)
- Is content with Allah
When hardship comes, this person says:
“Qadr Allah — this is from Allah.”
The prophets are the highest example of this state. They showed complete trust, patience, and gratitude in every situation.
Fighting the Nafs Is a Form of Jihad
Struggling against your ego, desires, and impulses is a lifelong battle. Scholars describe this internal struggle as jihad al-nafs — striving against the self for the sake of Allah.
Every time you:
- Lower your gaze
- Hold back your anger
- Pray when you feel lazy
- Give charity when you feel attached
You are defeating the nafs.
Practical Steps for Purifying the Nafs
You mentioned powerful steps — here they are with slight expansion:
1️⃣ Pray Salah with Khushu’
Don’t rush. Be present. Understand what you’re reciting. Salah disciplines the ego five times daily.
2️⃣ Fasting
Fasting weakens desires and strengthens self-control. It trains you to say “no” to impulses.
3️⃣ Daily Dhikr
Remembrance of Allah softens the heart and humbles the ego.
4️⃣ Reflect on the Qur’an
Deep reflection (tadabbur) transforms the heart. The Qur’an exposes the tricks of the nafs and shows the path to purification.
5️⃣ Immediate Tawbah
Do not delay repentance. The nafs loves postponement.
6️⃣ Practice Daily Shukr
Gratitude reduces arrogance and envy.
7️⃣ Keep Good Companions
The Prophet ﷺ taught that a person is upon the religion of their close friend. Righteous company strengthens iman and restrains the nafs.
A Key Reminder
The goal is not to destroy the nafs — it is to discipline it.
The nafs can become:
- Your enemy
- Your test
- Or your vehicle to Jannah
The difference lies in whether it controls you — or you train it for the sake of Allah
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You Soul And Its Desires.
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