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Sultan ul Ashiqeen Quotes

SELF ( AN-NAFS )

The diamond that needs polishing through spiritual struggle

The Self (An-Nafs)

In simple terms, self (an-nafs) refers to an individual's own physical being. Certainly, Allah is present in a person but self is also there. It is only when we negate or perish our self that the Divine Essence becomes evident and dominant inside us, transforming the inciting self (an-nafs al-ammarah) into a peaceful self (an-nafs al-mutmainnah).

Self vs Soul

If you want to understand the difference between the self and the soul then in simple words, 'self' is the transient physical body of a person, while the concept of the soul finds elucidation in the verse, "Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return" (Al-Baqara:156). This verse, uttered on the death of a person, is for the soul not the self because it is the soul that comes from Allah and ultimately returns to Him.

The Veil of Self

The self is a veil between man and Allah Almighty. If this veil is lifted, there remains no distance between man and Allah.

The Thief Within

The self is a thief in the human body, which does not let a person travel towards Allah. It can be killed only by the spiritual glance of perfect spiritual guide.

Desires of Self

The self (an-nafs) is a hub for all human desires. It gives birth to all sorts of evil wishes and rebellious thoughts. It triggers a man to disobey Allah's ordain and is responsible for all the untamed actions that a person commits when he is under the spell of sensual lust.

Origin of Self

When Satan got cursed because of not having bowed before Adam, he swore to mislead Adam and his children. When Adam's earthly body was prepared, Satan egoistically and with jealousy spat on it. This spit landed on Adam's navel which caused the birth of self in his being.

Levels of Self

The self has four levels or layers. The lowest is the inciting self (an-nafs al-ammarah) which commands evil. When purified, it becomes the repenting self (an-nafs al-lawwamah) which reproaches sins. Further purification leads to the inspiring self (an-nafs al-mulhimah) which warns before sinning. The highest is the self at peace (an-nafs al-mutmainnah) which reaches Divine closeness.

Controlling the Self

The person who understands the ever-changing tricks and temptations of the self and takes control over them, reaches the destination of 'union with Allah'.

Whispers of Self

The solution to the whispers of self is to remain silent and refrain from arguing. Instead, act opposite to its command. For example, if my 'self' tried to stop me from spending in the way of Allah, I instead of complying with it, spent twice the amount it tried to prevent me from giving.

Worship and Self

Excessive worships can inadvertently indulge the self in arrogance, conceit and egoism fortifying its rebellious tendencies. However, companionship of the perfect spiritual guide along with invocation and contemplation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat under his supervision leads the seeker to spiritual elevation and purgation of self.

Divine Vision

To achieve the vision of Allah it is crucial to get salvation from scourge and ailments of self which are usually described as spiritual diseases or esoteric diseases.

Self-Accountability

Self-accountability is a trait of believer. The greatness of a believer is that he, instead of finding faults in others, is always conscious of his own self and is perpetually trying to rectify himself.

Spiritual Authority

Spiritual Authority

Recognized leadership in authentic Islamic spirituality with a legacy of scholarly excellence

01

Unbroken Lineage

Connected to a centuries-old spiritual chain with authenticated transmission from generation to generation.

02

Global Acceptance

Teachings recognized by Islamic scholars across multiple continents and cultural traditions.

03

Authoritative Works

Comprehensive publications on Islamic spirituality used as reference material in academic circles.

04

Community Service

Established institutions serving spiritual and educational needs with verified impact.

05

Recognized Excellence

Recipient of international awards for contributions to spiritual enlightenment.

06

Authentic Practices

Time-honored spiritual methods rooted in Quran and Sunnah, preserved unchanged.