Do you ever have an internal struggle between what you want and what you know you should do? In Islamic psychology, this occurs because of the nafs, typically translated as the “self” or “soul.” The Quran addresses the nafs meaning and its profound effect on human conduct.
These three principal kinds of nafs in Islam are: Nafs al-Ammarah (commanding self), which inclines one towards base desires; Nafs al-Lawwamah (self-rebuking self), the conscience that reproaches the self after sinning; and Nafs al-Mutmainnah (calm self), which one reaches using religious reform or taqiyah.
It is necessary to know these things about the nafs meaning and concept if one desires self-improvement and peace in Islam.
In Islam, the self, or nafs, goes through three stages, corresponding to three levels of spiritual development and internal struggle. These are also known as the types of nafs and are also verified by Quran:
This is the initial phase of the Nafs, which tends towards base lusts and sinful activities. The Nafs in the Quran are referred to at a stage in Surah Yusuf (12:53), where the verse states, “Indeed, the Nafs that overwhelms the person towards sinning.”
In this stage, the nafs overpower the individual and encourage him to engage in detrimental or immoral activities. Self-control and spiritual activities are required to overcome Nafs Ammara’s control.
These involve daily prayers, fasting, and acquiring knowledge that cleanses the soul and aligns one’s deeds with moral and ethical standards.
After Nafs al-Ammara, a person develops self-consciousness and identifies his vices and sins. Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:2) speaks about this phase: “And I swear by the self-reproaching soul.” Now, the Nafs in the Quran also blame themselves and regret the things that have happened.
Self-blame is the most important phase in tazkiyah nafs, or soul-purification, because it compels the person to seek forgiveness and uphold moral uprightness.
This is the highest stage of the nafs, where the soul gets peace and satisfaction by surrendering entirely to the will of Allah. Surah Al-Fajr describes this stage in the following verse: “O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]” (89:27-30).
At this stage, the persons have purified their Nafs by tazkiyah and lived a life of piety and spiritual satisfaction. Their reward for reaching this stage is eternal peace and satisfaction in the hereafter. ​
Understanding these phases of the nafs is essential for Islamic self-development that guides the believer towards morality and spiritual awakening.
Have you ever wished you could cleanse your inner self and become more connected to your spirituality? This intense process is referred to as tazkiyah nafs in Qur’an, or the purification of the soul. It entails cleansing the heart of negative qualities and cultivating positive ones to acquire spiritual purity and closeness to Allah.
Tazkiyah nafs has deep roots in the Quran. Allah has mentioned in Surah Ash-Shams (91:9-10), “Successful indeed is the one who purifies their soul, and doomed is the one who corrupts it.”
In this verse, the point is emphasized that the final success is the tazkiyah or the purification of the nafs or self and that tazkiyah nafs hold great importance in the believer’s life. You may relate it to the state of self-actualization presented by Abraham Maslow in modern psychology.
Attaining tazkiyah in Islam requires the following practical measures:
Accepting tazkiyah results in peace of mind and brings one’s life according to divine guidance, leading to a balanced life and success in the hereafter.
In Islam, the nafs refers to the self or the soul that comprises our desires, feelings, and consciousness. The very essence drives our actions and thinking and dictates our moral and religious direction. Understanding the nafs is the key to self-development and adhering to the teachings of Islam.
The Quran also explains in great detail the nature of the nafs. Surah Ash-Shams (91:7-10), for instance, emphasizes the potential in the nafs for good or evil and the importance of purification. Purification of the nafs, or tazkiyah, is necessary to reach spiritual success and peace.
There have been several stages of the nafs described by Islamic scholars as representing stages in spiritual growth. Awareness and the effort towards developing our nafs are ongoing processes in Islam as one seeks to reach the stage where one feels tranquility and proximity towards Allah.
By understanding and cleansing our nafs, we can lead more whole, moral, and balanced lives in conformity with our faith. Self-awareness and self-improvement are the keys to Islamic spirituality that guide us to a righteous and balanced way of life. To better understand nafs and their role in Islamic Psychology, you may enroll in our Introduction to Islamic Psychology course.
​The self or nafs in Islam is categorized into three broad categories: Nafs al-Ammara (the commanding self), Nafs al-Lawwamah (the self-reproaching self), and Nafs al-Mutmainnah (the tranquil self). These are all various stages of spiritual development, taking one from base desires to righteousness and inner peace.
Overcoming Nafs al-Ammarah, the commanding self, requires conscious effort and spiritual discipline. Daily prayer, introspection, and righteous deeds can effectively control its tendencies. Acquiring knowledge and being mindful of one’s actions are essential steps along this spiritual journey.
We are here to guide you toward healing, peace, and understanding through the wisdom of Islam. Â
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