Allah created human beings in perfect balance — body, mind, and soul — and placed within us a compass, the nafs.
In Surah Ash-Shams, after swearing by the sun, the moon, the day, the night, and the soul itself, He tells us:
“And He inspired it [the soul] with [the knowledge of] its wickedness and its righteousness. He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who corrupts it.”
(Qur’an, 91:8–10)
This is the reality of our inner world: we carry the seeds of both good and evil. We are not angels incapable of sin, nor devils incapable of obedience. We are moral creatures, entrusted with the ability to choose — and our choice shapes our eternity.
The States of the Soul
The Qur’an and Sunnah describe three main states of the nafs:
- An-Nafs al-Ammārah bis-Soo’ — the soul that commands to evil
“Indeed, the soul is ever inclined to evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy.”
(Qur’an, 12:53)
- An-Nafs al-Lawwāmah — the self-reproaching soul
“And I swear by the self-reproaching soul.”
(Qur’an, 75:2)
- An-Nafs al-Mutma’innah — the tranquil soul
“O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]. Enter among My servants, and enter My Paradise.”
(Qur’an, 89:27–30)
Every human being travels between these states. The journey of life is a struggle to move from Ammārah to Mutma’innah.
The Responsibility to Purify
Allah has placed the duty of purification upon each soul:
“He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who corrupts it.”
(Qur’an, 91:9–10)
No one else can do this for us. Guidance comes from Allah, but the work must come from us.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed, in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Indeed, it is the heart.”
(Bukhari, Muslim)
When the nafs is neglected, its natural clarity is clouded. Evil no longer looks evil; falsehood feels like truth. Allah warns:
“And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves.”
(Qur’an, 59:19)
Muhāsabah: Calling the Self to Account
Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) advised:
“Call yourselves to account before you are called to account, and weigh your deeds before they are weighed for you.”
Practical Steps for Muhāsabah:
- Daily reflection — Before sleep, replay your day.
- Seek guidance often — The Prophet ﷺ used to say: “O Turner of the hearts, keep my heart firm upon Your religion.” (Tirmidhi)
- Replace quickly — Follow up a bad deed with a good one. (Tirmidhi)
- Guard the gates — Protect your eyes, ears, tongue, and thoughts.
- Choose company wisely — A single friend who reminds you of Allah is a shield for your heart.
Everyday Practical Habits for Self-Development
- An-Nafs al-Ammārah (inclined to wrongdoing): Notice urges to procrastinate or react negatively and pause before acting.
- An-Nafs al-Lawwāmah (self-reproaching): Reflect on mistakes daily—acknowledge them without harsh self-judgment.
- An-Nafs al-Mutma’innah (tranquil): Celebrate small wins and good habits, reinforcing positive behavior.
- Daily habits: Organize your space—a tidy environment reduces chaos and fosters mental clarity.
- Mindful interactions: Listen fully to others without interrupting; it strengthens patience and empathy.
Why It Matters
For the person: Inner peace, clarity in truth, sweetness of īmān.
For society: Less corruption, more mercy, trust, and justice.
The Person Shaped by Islam
When the nafs is purified, a person becomes just, merciful, truthful, and humble — a light in darkness, whose presence alone reminds others of Allah.
A Final Reflection
The nafs is like a garden. Left untended, weeds overrun it. But if watered with dhikr, seeded with good deeds, and cleared of sin, it becomes a place of peace — for you and everyone who comes near.
May Allah make us among those who purify their souls, hear the call:
“O tranquil soul…” and enter Paradise in peace.
