Have you ever felt a sense of regret after saying something hurtful? Do you ever experience a sense of inner conflict after making a morally questionable decision? How do physical, mental, and spiritual aspects interact to influence our health and behavior?
Our body includes physical, mental, and spiritual components. People often talk about physical and mental health, but mostly ignore the spiritual part, especially the soul (Nafs in Arabic). Man gives directions to his life depending on the exact nature of the battle going on in his inner self, between his animal and lordly souls. When the lordly soul wins the battle, man becomes inclined towards the good deed and acts, on the other side when the animal soul is dominant, man becomes inclined towards all kinds of sins & immoral’ s. This completely depends on actions based on one’s preferences & decisions between good & bad deeds. Almighty has given man the capacity to manage his conduct through his free will, thereby controlling himself, and he is accountable for what he does and will be rewarded as per his conduct.
Nafs – Its Meaning & Reality?
In Islamic thought, the Nafs represent the self, playing a not-to-neglect role in governing our desires, emotions, and spiritual inclinations.
Almighty created Adam (Peace be Upon Him), the father of all humankind, and through him, made man the most honored created being. Allah says, “Indeed, We created humans in the best form.” [Qur’an, 95: 4] As part of the divine plan, Adam – committed a well-known error in Paradise, which led to his descent to Earth. Man’s return to Paradise has thus become a matter of reward and merit, for which he has to successfully undergo a variety of trials & tests.
Among all creations. Almighty has blessed human beings with unique characteristics, his design includes mankind from the lowest of the low to the highest of the high, in conduct & deed. In brief, man has the inbuilt capacity towards good & evil, and his position depends on how he uses his power of will. His success is proportional to his success in doing good and curbing the evil.
The animal soul helps man to stay alive in this world, it sets the body to work and supports in performing all bodily functions. It is also called ‘Life or Self’. The animal soul possesses instincts, emotions, and basic consciousness. This soul is related to “this temporal world”, that constitutes the starting point of human actions, represents the material aspect, can be influenced by worldly attachments & tendencies, and needs to be trained to achieve spiritual growth.
The lordly soul refers to the human soul that the almighty has breathed in him, commonly termed as ‘Rooh’, represents the divine, eternal, and immaterial aspect, is connected to/with the heart, symbolizes the spark of divinity within, years of spiritual growth, closeness to the almighty and the eternal life.
In fact, the self, or Nafs, functions as a two-dimensional vehicle. It has the potential to elevate man’s value to the peaks of maturity and make him the pearl of all creation or degrade his value to the lowest of the low. The self, therefore, has the potential to head in both directions, like a two-edged knife. When properly trained it heads towards the good; though if not, it recklessly heads towards evil.
In relation to this, the Prophet said, “[The real] struggler (mujahid) is the one who struggles against his own self.” (Tirmidhi)
Sexual Issues and Moral Degradation: A Contemporary Crisis
As we see the growing problems of sexual immorality, the spread of pornography, substance abuse, and the decline of ethical values among today’s youth, it’s essential to delve into these pressing issues and explore how Islamic teachings and the practice of self-purification (Tazkiya) can serve as powerful tools and combat these harmful trends. Family Elders, Social groups, and Educational setups can also play a crucial role in guiding the youth and reinforcing positive values.
In today’s society, issues such as pornography addiction, substance abuse, promiscuity, and moral degradation are rampant. Pornography has become one of the most pervasive and destructive elements in modern society. Its easy accessibility and normalization have led to widespread addiction, particularly among young people. The consumption of pornography distorts the viewer’s understanding of sexuality, relationships, and human dignity. It objectifies individuals, reducing them to mere instruments of pleasure rather than beings worthy of respect and love. It also has profound psychological and social consequences such as guilt, anxiety, and decreased ability to form healthy, meaningful relationships.
Islamic teachings have long warned against the dangers of indulging in unlawful sexual behavior. The Qur’an explicitly commands believers to guard their chastity and avoid illicit sexual conduct: “And those who guard their chastity, except with their wives or those their right hands possess, for then they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.” (Qur’an 23: 5-7).
This verse highlights the importance of sexual purity as a means of maintaining moral integrity. One example is the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), who was known for his remarkable chastity. Despite being seduced by the wife of his master, he remained steadfast and resisted the temptation, saying, “My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me.” (Qur’an 12: 33).
Prophet Yusuf’s story exemplifies the strength that comes from a purified soul, which allows one to resist even the most powerful temptations.
The practice of fasting during Ramadan is a form of Tazkiya. Fasting not only purifies the body but also strengthens self-discipline and control over desires. Through this, a person avoids even lawful things from dawn to dusk, stands in long night prayers, donates generously, avoids all sorts of evil acts, and, in short, transforms the lifestyle solely for the purpose of purifying themselves and pleasing the Almighty.
At the core of Tazkiya is the idea of self-discipline (Mujahada), this process encourages individuals to seek higher, more meaningful goals. Nafs, or the self, can be divided into different states, the lowest being the Nafs al-Ammara, which incites one to evil and succumbs to base desires, including sexual urges. Through the practice of Tazkiya, a person can elevate their Nafs from this base state to higher states, such as Nafs al-Lawwama (the reproaching self), where one becomes aware of their wrongdoings, and ultimately to Nafs al-Mutma’inna (the tranquil self), where one finds peace and contentment in complete obedience to Allah.
Mindfulness (Muraqabah) is another key aspect of Tazkiya. It involves being constantly aware of Allah’s presence and the consequences of one’s actions. This awareness helps individuals resist the lure of sinful behaviors, including sexual transgressions. When a person is mindful of the fact that Allah is always watching, it is less likely to engage in sinful actions.
The process of Tazkiya also fosters a deep spiritual connection with Allah, leading to contentment and inner peace. When a person is spiritually fulfilled, the need to seek pleasure in harmful ways, such as through pornography or illicit sexual relationships, diminishes. It represents the journey of the soul from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge, and from base desires to spiritual enlightenment. It is a process that requires constant effort, self-reflection, and reliance on Allah. The purification of the soul is not a one-time event but a lifelong thing that shapes a person’s character, actions, and ultimately, their destiny.
O Allah, give to my inner-self – piety and purify it, for you are its Guardian and its Master and the best Purifier – [Bukhari and Muslim]
