Self

The self expresses a person's inner world, desires, and wishes. In Islamic culture and Sufi teachings, there are levels of the self. Among these levels are the self that commands evil (nafs al-ammara), the self that blames (nafs al-lawwama), and the tranquil self (nafs al-mutma'inna). From a Sufi perspective, the training of the self is essential for the development of the soul. While the self may sometimes guide a person towards goodness, it is often the source of negative desires. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals train their self; this is an important part of their spiritual journey.