The True Lover Of Allah Ta'ala Part 1 ✔

STAGES OF NAFS

In the Qur'aan Sharief, Allah Ta'ala makes mention, in the words of Hazrat Yusuf ('Alaihis Salaam) :

"...VERILY THE NAFS IS A GREAT COMMANDER OF EVIL..."
[SURAH YUSUF 12 : 53]

Since the inclination and pleasure of the nafs lies in desires and lusts, it thus invites one to indulge in sin. In fact, the nafs wallows in self-deception, considering itself worthy of submission.

In disposition and temperament, the nafs resembles Fir'aun (who had declared himself to be God) and Shaytaan is comparable to his right hand, Haamaan (who had encouraged, supported and endorsed the claims of Fir'aun). Hence, on the
advice and encouragement of Shaytaan, the nafs imposes demands and expects that we accommodate, oblige and serve it.

Only with mujahada (striving) and Islahun-Nafs (reformation) does it progress to the nafs which is 'Lawwamah'.

This nafs has also been mentioned by Allah Ta'ala in the Qur'aan Sharief. Allah Ta'ala states :

"AND I SWEAR BY THE SOUL THAT REPROACHES AT EVIL."
[SURAH QIYAMAH 75 : 2]

Whilst the nafs which is 'Lawwamah' is inclined to the pleasure of sins, it is also given to the obedience of Allah. Thus, when a person succumbs to evil, he is remorseful and regretful and reproaches himself on his weaknesses. He has a conscience that
troubles him.

However, with a little more effort, [and this too under the guidance of a Sheikh who is learned, experienced and pious] the nafs will sooner than later have no option but to relinquish
its illusory 'throne' and 'crown', and its fantasy 'kingdom' and adopt its rightful garb of a slave.

With the Fadhl (grace) of Allah Ta'ala, such a nafs becomes 'Mutma'innah' - content and satisfied with complete obedience to the Ahkaam (orders) of Allah.