Nafs
"Nafs is the inner identity and desires of a person; this concept plays a significant role in spiritual struggle."
Spiritual & Deep Meaning
Nafs represents the inner nature of the individual in Islamic thought. In the Sufi tradition, training the nafs is one of the cornerstones of spiritual development. Nafs is divided into various levels: Nafs-i Ammarah (the commanding self, which is dominated by bad habits and desires), Nafs-i Lawwamah (the reproaching self, which feels guilt and criticism), and Nafs-i Mutma'innah (the tranquil and peaceful self). The struggle with nafs is a necessary path for the moral and spiritual advancement of a person. The process of training the nafs plays an important role in increasing one's closeness to Allah and achieving spiritual maturity.
Example / Wisdom Quote
"In the Quran: "He who purifies his nafs has indeed succeeded." (Ash-Shams, 91:9)"
Spiritual Dictionary
Continue expanding your spiritual vocabulary
Nafs al-Ammarah
Nafs al-Ammarah is the level of the self that represents the lowest and worst desires of a person.
SufismNafs al-Lawwama
Nafs al-Lawwama is the level 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.