In the midst of our complex world, the paramount need of our time is for believers to reconnect with Allah and embark on the journey of soul purification (tazkiyat al-nafs). The very root of many global predicaments lies within hearts that lack spirituality, consumed by arrogance, greed, and selfishness. These hearts, tainted by sins, have lost the sweetness of faith (īmān) and are fractured by pride, envy, and animosity, causing disunity in the ummah.
While we may recognize external adversaries, the real foe resides within us – our nafs (inner self/ego). This nafs lures us to disobey Allah (subḥānahū wa taʿālā) and prioritize worldly gains.
In the face of doubts (shubuhāt) and desires (shahawāt) that assail us, it is crucial to understand the nature of the nafs, its purification, and beautification. Allah (subḥānahū wa taʿālā) declares:
قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن زَكَّىٰهَا، وَقَدْ خَابَ مَن دَسَّىٰهَا
"Indeed, successful is the one who purifies their soul, and ruined is the one who corrupts it!" (91:9-10).
The Prophet ﷺ implored Allah to cleanse his heart:
اَللّٰهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِيْ تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا
"O Allah, grant my soul piety and purify it, for You are the Best of those who purify it." (Muslim)
**The Three Nafs Types**
The nafs (inner self) manifests in three types:
1. The Inciting Soul (al-nafs al-ammārah bil-sū’): The nafs commands actions, and the individual complies willingly. This person is driven by their nafs and indulges in sin without remorse.
2. The Self-Reproaching Soul (al-nafs al-lawwāmah): One sins but later feels regret, self-blame, and repents. This individual engages in an inner struggle against their nafs.
3. The Tranquil Soul (al-nafs al-muṭma’innah): Content with Allah's decree, this person seeks tranquility in His pleasure, loving good and detesting evil.
The nafs is dynamic, transitioning among these states.
**Cultivating a Sound Heart**
For success on Judgment Day, we must develop a sound heart (qalb salīm) in this life. Allah informs:
"…The Day when neither wealth nor children will be of any benefit. Only those who come before Allah with a pure heart will be saved." (26:88-9).
To achieve a sound heart, we need to:
1. Purge our hearts of "diseases" like shirk, showing off (riyā’), envy, hatred, pride, greed, heedlessness, hypocrisy, love of the world, and ambition for leadership.
2. Embellish our hearts with praiseworthy traits: belief (īmān), knowledge of Allah (maʿrifah), sincerity (ikhlāṣ), piety (taqwā), trust in Allah (tawakkul), hope (rajā’), fear (khawf), gratitude (shukr), patience (ṣabr), love (ḥubb), yearning (shawq), certainty (yaqīn), and excellent character toward fellow humans – kindness, mercy, love, forgiveness, and humility.
"Devoting yourself to purifying your heart is superior to abundant prayer and fasting with a corrupted heart." – Ibn Rajab (raḥimahullāh)
**Purity Through Remembrance**
Constantly acknowledging Allah's presence refines the soul. A companion inquired, "O Messenger of Allah, what purifies the self?" The Prophet ﷺ answered, "To know that Allah is with you wherever you are." (Ṭabarānī)
This mindfulness helps filter negative thoughts and emotions. Staying connected with Allah dissolves ill-feelings towards others and shayṭān's whisperings.
**Healing Heart Ailments**
To cleanse our hearts this blessed month, understanding heart diseases, as identified by our Prophet ﷺ and predecessors, is vital. Here are some:
**1. Pride:**
Question: Do I resent corrections and advice? Do I attribute my success solely to my efforts?
Rooted in arrogance, pride is a destructive disease. Extreme pride leads to disbelief and defiance of Allah. Combat pride by reflecting on your origins and Allah's majesty.
**2. Envy:**
Question: Do I envy others' lives, especially due to social media comparisons?
Envy corrodes contentment. Remedy it by pondering Allah's justice, blessings in your life, and the true nature of others' circumstances.
**3. Hatred:**
Question: Am I resentful when someone corrects me? Do I bear grudges?
Hatred strains relationships. The Prophet ﷺ said, "Whoever holds hatred towards his brother, Allah delays their reconciliation." (Muslim)
**4. Self-Praise (ʿUjb):**
Question: Am I pleased with my accomplishments and attributes them solely to my efforts?
ʿUjb leads to self-admiration. Recognize Allah's grace and your insignificance. Accept your limitations.
**Conclusion: A Quest for Inner Purity**
Focusing on purifying the heart is essential for believers. Recognizing and addressing diseases like pride, envy, hatred, and self-praise helps us navigate life with a cleansed soul. Cultivating praiseworthy qualities and fostering a connection with Allah elevate our spiritual journey. As we seek to purify our souls, may Allah, The Pure, purify us within and guide us towards a tranquil heart.
