Have you ever felt like there’s a tug-of-war going on inside you? One part of you wants to do the right thing, while the other wants to give in to desires and temptations.
That inner conflict is exactly what the Quran talks about when it speaks of the nafs. In simple words, nafs is your inner self, your soul or ego, the part of you that drives your thoughts, actions, and decisions.
In the Quran, Allah mentions three types of nafs. These are not random labels but stages of a person’s spiritual journey. Understanding the 3 types of nafs in the Quran is a powerful understanding. It can help us make sense of our inner struggles and work toward becoming better versions of ourselves.
Whether you’re someone trying to improve spiritually or simply curious about Islamic teachings on the soul, this blog is for you.
The word nafs appears multiple times in the Quran and carries various meanings depending on the context. Sometimes it refers to the self, sometimes the soul, and sometimes it describes the ego or desires that push us toward certain actions.
In its spiritual context, the Quran categorizes nafs into three distinct types. Each type represents a distinct state of the soul, ranging from the darkest depths of desire to the peaceful clarity of spiritual enlightenment.
The 3 types of nafs in the Quran help us understand where we stand and what we need to work on. These are the nafs al-ammarah, nafs al-lawwamah, and nafs al-mutma’innah.
Imagine someone who knows something is wrong but still goes ahead and does it. Maybe it’s lying, cheating, or being unkind. Then they brush it off and feel no guilt. That’s the nature of nafs al-ammarah, the commanding self.
This type of nafs pushes a person toward evil. It’s mentioned in Surah Yusuf (12:53), where Prophet Yusuf says, “Indeed, the nafs is ever inclined to evil, except those upon whom my Lord has mercy.” This is the lowest form of the self, the one that is driven by unfiltered desires, impulses, and selfishness.
If you often find yourself justifying wrong actions or feeling detached from guilt, you might be struggling with this type of nafs. But don’t worry. The Quran doesn’t just label us, it guides us.
The first step is recognizing it. The next is resisting it with prayer, self-control, and surrounding yourself with good influences.
Have you ever done something wrong, then instantly felt a wave of guilt? Maybe you snapped at someone or skipped a prayer. And afterward, that uneasy feeling inside kept nagging you. That’s nafs al-lawwamah, the blaming or self-reproaching soul.
In Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:2), Allah swears by this soul, saying, “And I swear by the self-reproaching soul.” This is the stage where the conscience awakens. You’re not perfect, you still make mistakes, but now you feel it. Your soul is alert. You catch yourself, you reflect, and you start to change.
This is where real transformation begins. The person in this state is battling between the nafs al-ammarah and their better self. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s also a good sign.
It means your heart is alive and you’re on your way to purification. The three types of nafs in the Quran are not fixed positions; you can move from one to another based on your actions and intentions.
Now, picture someone who is calm, even in tough times. They trust Allah completely. Their decisions are not driven by ego, anger, or desire. They are content, at peace with themselves and their Lord. That’s the highest level nafs al-mutma’innah.
Allah mentions this in Surah Al-Fajr (89:27-30), saying, “O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]. Enter among My servants. Enter My Paradise.”
This is the soul that has found peace through connection with Allah. It trusts His plan, it worships sincerely, and it’s no longer in a constant state of war with desires.
This level isn’t just for prophets or saints. It’s a goal for every believer. You can reach it through sincere worship, remembrance of Allah, and working on your character. The 3 types of nafs in the Quran show us a roadmap, and nafs al-mutma’innah is the destination we’re all aiming for.
Understanding the 3 types of nafs in the Quran isn’t just about labeling where we are. It’s about knowing where we’re headed. We all start with nafs al-ammarah, being easily tempted and selfish.
But as we reflect, repent, and grow, we move into nafs al-lawwamah. And if we stay sincere and consistent, we reach nafs al-mutma’innah, a state of real peace.
This journey is what scholars refer to as tazkiyah, or the purification of the soul. It’s not an overnight transformation. It takes effort, prayer, failure, and getting back up again.
But every step forward matters. The 3 types of nafs in the Quran are like checkpoints, not prisons. You’re never stuck unless you choose to be.
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