The Stages of the Self in Sufism: A Spiritual Journey from Emmare to Mutmainne

Introduction

The journey of self-discovery is as profound and meaningful as the exploration of the external world. In Sufism, this journey is realized through the stages of the self. Each stage allows an individual to deepen within their inner world and strengthen their connection with the Creator. This spiritual journey encompasses a process from Emmare to Mutmainne; it includes the steps necessary for an individual to purify themselves and attain peace for their soul.

Historical/Religious Background

The term 'self' (nafs) is used in various meanings in the Qur'an, and different states of the self are discussed. The self is a profound concept related to the inner world of humans, and in Sufism, various degrees of this concept are defined.

"He who purifies his soul has succeeded." (Shams, 91:9)

Islamic scholars have presented the stages of the self as a guide to understand and overcome the inner states that a person will encounter in their spiritual journey. These stages express the processes of change and transformation that occur within an individual.

Detailed Lists and Practices

• Nafs-i Emmare: The self that commands evil. At this stage, the individual succumbs to their inner desires and impulses.

  Verse: "Indeed, the self commands to evil." (Yusuf, 12:53)

• Nafs-i Levvame: The self that blames itself. The individual becomes aware of their mistakes and feels remorse.
• Nafs-i Mülhime: The self that receives inspiration. The individual is guided towards the right path by divine inspirations.
• Nafs-i Mutmainne: The self that finds peace. The individual attains inner tranquility and fully surrenders to Allah.

For each stage of the self, prayers and remembrances have been recommended by Islamic scholars. Here are some of them:

• "Ya Muqallibal-qulubi thabbit qalbi 'ala dinik": "O Allah, who turns the hearts, make my heart steadfast upon Your religion."
• "Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi, subhanallahil-azim": "I glorify Allah with His praise, I glorify Allah, the Exalted."

Lessons from Scholars

Imam Ghazali is one of the Islamic scholars who has examined the stages of the self in detail. Ghazali viewed the process of training and purifying the self as part of a person's journey towards Allah.

"The heart can only turn towards Allah by distancing itself from the desires of the self." - Imam Ghazali

Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi expressed that transcending the stages of the self is possible through love and surrender.

"He who serves his self is imprisoned by his ego; he who serves Allah is liberated." - Mevlana

Conclusion

The Sufi journey is a process of personal purification and closeness to Allah, traversing through the stages of the self. This spiritual journey from Emmare to Mutmainne enables an individual to attain inner peace. May Allah free us from the captivity of our selves and make us among those who attain tranquility. Ameen.