Amid constant fluctuations and the pursuit of worldly matters, the human soul remains in a state of spiritual thirst that can only be quenched by a genuine connection with its Creator. Closeness to Allah Almighty is not merely a matter of performing rituals; rather, it is a state of “inner peace” that fills the believer’s heart, enabling him to see blessings in trials and to feel comfort in solitude, as follows in Fluent Arabic Institute’s article ”The Path to tazkiyat al-nafs: A Step-by-Step Guide for Every Muslim”.
When a person realizes that the ultimate purpose of their existence is servitude to Allah and reliance upon Him, their heart begins to be freed from the shackles of fear and anxiety, and their life becomes in harmony with their innate nature. As stated in the Holy Qur’an: “ By the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured. “
Thus, the development of the Muslim self is an ongoing journey to deepen this connection and cultivate a faith-based consciousness that is reflected in one’s behavior and overall demeanor, thereby ensuring success in this world and happiness in the Hereafter.
First: What is Tazkiyat al-nafs? The Legal Basis
The issue of “Tazkiyat al-nafs” (self-purification) is the cornerstone of a believer’s righteousness, and jurists have differed regarding the ruling on learning its details, offering two opinions:
2. Imam al-Ghazali’s View: He held that it is an individual obligation (fard ‘ayn) upon every believer, based on the principle that the human soul is inherently prone to disease rather than soundness, citing the incident of “the Prophet’s (PBUH) chest being split open.” If the infallible Prophet had his chest split open to remove the source of disease, then others are even more deserving of striving against it.
2. The view of the majority: They considered it a collective obligation (fard kifaya) in principle, but it becomes an individual obligation (fard ‘ayn) for those who are certain of the presence of a spiritual ailment within them (such as envy or arrogance).
3. Scholars: They have reconciled the two views by noting that what is inherent in the general human condition is the “propensity” for these ailments, which explains the need for everyone to engage in constant self-monitoring and continuous Tazkiyat al-nafs.
Second: The Core Pillars of Tazkiyat al-nafs (Emptying and Filling)
The process of Tazkiyat al-nafs rests on two pillars, neither of which can replace the other:
Emptying: This is the “Tazkiyat al-nafs” of the heart’s vessel from impurities (polytheism, showing off, arrogance, envy, and love of this world). It is illogical to place perfume in a dirty vessel.
Felling: This is the “filling” of this vessel with the virtues of faith (monotheism, sincerity, patience, and trust in Allah).
To triumph in this battle, the seekers establish three principles for dealing with the self: being fair to it by acknowledging its faults, refraining from seeking retribution by being patient with others, and constantly holding it accountable to thwart arrogance; for the self is like a kid: if neglected, it grows attached to the breast; if weaned, it is weaned.
Third: 10 Stages of Spiritual Growth on the Path of Tazkiyat al-nafs
1. Instilling Faith and Renewing Certainty
Faith is the fundamental driving force, and building it begins with truly knowing Allah by delving into His names and attributes. When you grasp the meaning of “Al-Rahman,” you find reassurance in His mercy, and when you know “Al-Wakil,” you surrender to His providence. It is this certainty that drives you to patience in adversity and gratitude in prosperity.
2. Prayer… The Believer’s Ascent
Commitment to praying at its appointed times is a declaration of your priorities; by setting aside your concerns for the call to prayer, you declare that Allah is greater than your worries. Prayer provides you with spiritual moments that restore your inner balance and offer an opportunity to pour out your complaints and seek help.
3. Revelation and reflection of the Quran
The Quran is the direct divine message to you. The true Muslim takes it as a companion, seeking in its verses solutions to his psychological and social crises. Reflection means applying its meanings to your reality: How do you exercise patience? How do you practice humility? So that your relationship with the Quran becomes one of life and action.
4. Remembrance and Supplication: The Language of the Soul
Supplication reveals the servant’s need for his Lord, and remembrance purifies the heart, protecting you from heedlessness and guarding you against the evils of the tongue, such as backbiting, and granting you the strength to face life’s vicissitudes with a steadfast heart.
5. Seeking Knowledge: An Obligation and Insight
Knowledge is what protects the believer from falling into innovation or misunderstanding the religion. The best Muslim dedicates part of his day to learning, which grants him insight into decision-making and builds his faith upon solid intellectual and spiritual convictions.
6. The School of Repentance and Self-Reflection
To err is human, but excellence lies in the speed of repentance. Sincere repentance is remorse in the heart and a resolve not to return to sin. This requires “self-reflection” before and after one’s actions.
7. Giving and Generosity: The Blessing of Charity
Charity is a proof of faith; giving money in the way of Allah is evidence of prioritizing His love over one’s own desires. Charity appeases the Lord’s wrath and purifies the soul from stinginess and miserliness.
8. The School of Fasting: Disciplining the Will
Fasting is the greatest means of strengthening the will; it is not merely abstaining from food, but rather restraining one’s faculties from everything that angers Allah. Fasting teaches you patience and stirs feelings of compassion in your heart toward the disadvantaged.
9. Noble Character: The Essence of the Message
The best Muslim is the one with the best character. Character is the mirror through which people see the truth of your faith. Take the Prophet (PBUH) as your example in how he treated both friends and enemies, and train yourself to restrain your anger and forgive when you are able.
10. An Environment of Righteousness and Choosing Companions
A person is influenced by those around him, willingly or unwillingly; therefore, choosing a companion is choosing one’s destiny. A righteous companion is one who, if you forget to mention Allah, reminds you, and if you do mention Him, supports you. Good companionship supports you in times of weakness and propels you toward the summit.
Fourth: Strategies for Striving and the Foundations of Success
A servant cannot attain his goal except by relying on practical aids:
- Minimizing the three: (food, sleep, and speech); for excessive speech hardens the heart, excessive eating strengthens desire, and excessive sleep wastes one’s life. Here, the intention is not to reduce the number of hours required for the body’s health, but rather to speak of extravagance.
- Patience and certainty: Through them one attains leadership in religion; for patience restrains one from forbidden acts, and certainty dispels doubts.
- Purifying deeds from self-interest: Examine the depths of one’s intentions; is the deed purely for Allah, or to seek people’s praise? For there is a distance between the deed and the heart, bridged by hypocrisy and selfish motives.
- The necessity of reminding oneself of death: One must constantly remind oneself of death and the Hereafter, for every breath of life is a precious gem that no wealth can replace.
FAQs About Tazkiyat al-Nafs
1. Must I first rid myself of all my faults (Tazkiyat al-nafs) before I begin performing acts of obedience (enrichment)?
A strict chronological order is not required; rather, they are two parallel paths. So while you strive to give up backbiting or arrogance (Tazkiyat al-nafs), continue with prayer, remembrance of Allah, and charity (enrichment), for it is the light of these acts of worship that grants you the strength and tranquility necessary to purify your heart of impurities. Tazkiyat al-nafs is a continuous process, not completely separate stages.
2. I sometimes feel a severe lack of enthusiasm and tightness in my chest despite my commitment to acts of worship. Does this mean that my Tazkiyat al-nafs has failed?
Not at all; this feeling is part of the fickle nature of the human soul. The article points out that the soul, like a kid, requires striving and patience. This apathy may be a “test of faith” or a result of excessive indulgence in permissible things. The solution here is “striving” and seeking out a virtuous environment (good company) that supports you during times of spiritual weakness until you return to tranquility.
3. How do I know that I am on the right path in the “stages of conduct” and that my soul has truly begun to purify itself?
The fruit is evident in “moral elevation” and in the change in your reactions to reality. If you find yourself quicker to repent when you make a mistake, more patient in the face of adversity, and less concerned with people’s praise (sincerity), these are signs that your soul has transitioned from the state of “the inner self that commands evil” to the state of “the self-reproaching soul” that holds itself accountable—a true step toward the tranquil soul.
Conclusion
The goal is to transform the soul from one that “commands evil” to one that “reproaches,” ultimately reaching the “soul at peace” that, upon departure, as Allah says: “Return to your Lord, well-pleased and well-pleasing.” Tazkiyat al-nafs is not an intellectual luxury, but an existential necessity; for faith is the vessel of life, and if a servant loses his faith due to the corruption of his soul, there is no value in his continued existence.
Begin with small steps and persevere, for the deeds most beloved to Allah are those that are consistent. So start today, even if it’s just one step. A small act of obedience that you keep up may open doors to unending peace for you. Share your thoughts in the comments.
