Nafs
"Nafs means the inner self and spiritual state of a person."
Spiritual & Deep Meaning
In Islamic Sufism, nafs expresses the spiritual identity of a person. Different types of nafs represent various stages of nafs: Nafs-i Ammarah (the commanding self), Nafs-i Lawwamah (the self-reproaching self), and Nafs-i Mutmainnah (the tranquil self). In Sufism, the training and purification of the nafs are important for a person's spiritual development. Educating the nafs is necessary to achieve spiritual maturity. Islam encourages the training of the nafs and helps individuals to know themselves. In this aspect, nafs can be seen both as a test and a source of mercy.
Example / Wisdom Quote
"In a hadith: 'The one who struggles against their nafs has performed the greatest jihad.'"
Spiritual Dictionary
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Nafs al-Ammarah
Nafs al-Ammarah is the level of the self that represents the lowest and worst desires of a person.
Nafs al-LawwamaNafs al-Lawwama
Nafs al-Lawwama is the state of the self where the individual criticizes themselves and questions their mistakes.
nafs al-mutma'innaNafs al-Mutma'inna
Nafs al-Mutma'inna is the highest level of the self where a person finds peace with Allah and themselves.