Nafs (The Self / Soul)

Definition

Nafs (نفس) in Islamic theology refers to the self or soul of a human being. It encompasses the ego, desires, and inclinations that drive human behavior. Understanding and disciplining the nafs is central to Islamic spirituality.

Three States of the Nafs in the Quran

The Quran identifies three states of the nafs: An-Nafs al-Ammarah bil-Su' (the soul that commands evil, Quran 12:53), which is the lowest state where a person follows base desires without resistance. An-Nafs al-Lawwamah (the self-reproaching soul, Quran 75:2), which is the middle state where a person sins but feels remorse and strives to improve. An-Nafs al-Mutma'innah (the soul at peace, Quran 89:27-28), which is the highest state where a person has achieved contentment through obedience to Allah.

Disciplining the Nafs

The process of purifying the nafs is called tazkiyat al-nafs. Methods include: consistent worship, fasting, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), seeking knowledge, keeping righteous company, self-accountability (muhasabah), and avoiding environments that trigger sinful behavior.

Scholarly Views

Imam al-Ghazali devoted significant portions of his Ihya Ulum al-Din to the science of the nafs. Ibn al-Qayyim wrote extensively about it in Madarij al-Salikin. Both scholars emphasized that jihad al-nafs (struggling against one's desires) is among the greatest forms of jihad.