ACCOUNTABILITY, NAFS, TAZKEYAH NAFS,

2. Surah Hashar,59:18
O ye who believe! Fear Allah and let
every soul look to what (provision) he
has sent forth for tomorrow.
Fear Allah: for Allah is well-acquainted
with (all) that ye do. Hashar 59:18.

3. What is Nafs?
 „Nafs‟ lexically means, soul, the psyche, ego, self.
 Islamic concept of the nafs highlights the intricate
and complex composition of the inner self.
 Our self consists of a conglomeration of wants,
impulses, desires, appetites, habits, fears, angers,
tendencies and an ego that constructs a self image

4. 3 Types of Nafs
Nafs
Ammarah Lawwamah Mutma’innah

5. 1-Nafs al-Ammara Bissu
(the commanding soul)
Nor do I absolve my own self (of blame): the (human soul)
is certainly prone to evil unless my Lord do bestow His
Mercy: but surely certainly my Lord is Oft-Forgiving Most
Merciful. Yusuf, 12:53
 it has allowed its impulses and desires to command it.
 This nafs intrinsically directs its owner towards the
fulfillment of bestial and carnal desires.
 It acts in a highly selfish manner looking out for only
itself.
 Satan is considered the ally of this soul. He promises it
great rewards and gains
 Some of the traits of this nafs are, ‘gluttony and lustful
incontinence’.

6. The Characteristics of someone
with Nafs Al Ammaratun Bissou'
 a) Man goes after his desires; just like an animal,
or even worse. There are three kinds of animals:
1. Don't hurt other animals even when starving –
domestic, e.g. Cow
2-Those that only attack when hungry - predators,
e.g. lions (carnivore)
3-Animals that will attack at any time, venomous
creatures, e.g. scorpions.
 b) Hurts people just for the sake of it - has a
sadistic nature

7. The Characteristics of someone
with Nafs Al Ammaratun Bissou
 c) Indulge freely in sins, and won‟t have any guilt
whatsoever
 d) Just like a predator; when hungry, it will even prey
on its own child
 e) When angry, is like an impatient, blind man:
 f) Enjoyment like that of Fir'oun: Fir'oun was given
everything, a whole kingdom at the age of 18. And
then he claimed „Ana Rabbukumul A'la‟
 g) like Qaroon when it comes to miserliness:
 h) When it comes to trials; complains all the time
 i) Is ungrateful for the Blessings that Allah has
Bestowed him with
 j) At the time of sins, like a match: all this person
needs is the opportunity to sin

8. , „Why?' After all, how can a
man be like this
 Man consists of 4 'parts‘
 1. Fire: This contributes to Man's tendency of being
inflicted by the ailment of Takabbur (pride) and 'Ujb;
 2. Clay: This contributes to Man's tendency of being
inflicted with miserliness.
 3. Water: This contributes to Man's ailment of 'Hirs',
or the tendency to never be satiated. Even after
marriage, he will not be able to control his lustful
desires, and will not lower his gaze.
 4. Air: As you fill a balloon, it inflates. Similarly, this is
what contributes to man's tendency of doing Shirk

9. 2-Nafs al-Lawwama
(the Soul that Blames)
And I do call to witness the self-reproaching spirit.
75:2
 This nafs is engaged in thought provoking
questions
 At this level there is an inner struggle going on
with the self.
 There is inner battle against all the forces which
would prevent man from living according to the
God given nature and guidance.
 We sin, and then repent, crying for forgiveness
later on, When we regret the sins we have
committed in Ghaflah are forgiven.

10. 3-Nafs al-Mutma`inna
(the Soul at Peace)
"O (thou) soul in (complete) rest and satisfaction!
89:27
 This nafs is tranquil as it rests on the certitude of
God
 It is at a stage as if it can see the will of God in all
aspects of life.
 It waits for its time of departure from this relative,
physical world into the everlasting reality of life
after death without fear.
 It submits itself to the will of God contentedly
 It is never dissatisfied or complaining
 its faith never wavers

11. 7-Stages of development of nafs
Nafsul Nafs al Nafs al
Ammarah MARDIYYAH Kamilah
Nafs Nafs Ar
Lawwamah Radiyyah
Nafs al Nafs al
Mulhimah MUTMAI‟NNAH

12. 7-Stages of development of nafs
 1. The nafs in its lowest stage of development is
called an-nafs al-ammara. Greed, frivolity, pride,
the wish to be famous, jealousy and the lack of
any higher consciousness are its characteristics.
 2. The nafs in the second stage of development is
an-nafs al-lawwama. Its characteristics are
amongst others: disapproval, reflection,
contraction and self- appraisal
 3. The nafs in its third stage of development is
called an-nafs al-molhama (the inspired soul or
self). Characteristics of this inspired soul or self
are detachment, satisfaction (qana'at),
knowledge, humility, repentance, patience and
perseverance. (91:7)

13. 7-Stages of development of nafs
 4. The nafs in its fourth stage of development is
called an-nafs al-motma'ina (the quiescent soul )
Its characteristics are amongst others: generosity,
trust in God, wisdom
 5. The nafs in its fifth stage of development is
called an-nafs ar-radiyya (the contented soul or
self). Its characteristics are amongst others:
asceticism, sincerity, scrupulousness, the letting
go of everything which is not of your concern and
loyalty.
 6. The nafs in its sixth stage of development is
called an-nafs al-mardiyya (the soul or self
experiencing the pleasure of God).
 7. The nafs in its seventh stage of development is
called an-nafs al-kamila (the perfect soul or self).
It manifests all the positive qualities as mentioned
above and more than that.

14. Classification of Nafs by Sheikh
Mukhtar Maghraui (Hafizahullah)
BAHIMI
MALAA‟IKI NAFS SUBU‟EE
SHAYTAANI

15.  1-The bahimi nafs, the cattle-like nafs.
Like cows and chickens, this nafs finds ultimate
happiness in consuming food, drink, sleep, and sex.
 2-Subu‟ee nafs, the predatory nafs.
In addition to the basal desires of food, sleep, and
sex, this hyena-like nafs finds pleasure in coveting
the goods of others. This nafs takes part in attacking,
usurping, stealing, and killing. Self-satisfaction for
this type of individual is found in accruing wealth,
especially at the expense of others.

16.  3-The shaytaani nafs, the devilish nafs.
This type seeks to mischievously plot and scheme in
creating evil and causing harm to others. This nafs
desires to lord over others and become an object of
worship. The greedy amassing of property has left
this nafs wanting more, so it seeks to subdue and
control and manipulate others – like the Shaytaan
himself. Additionally, this nafs finds satisfaction in
enhancing and strengthening the lower qualities and
vices
 4-Malaaiki nafs, the angelic nafs.
This nafs finds its greatest pleasure in nearness to its
Creator. It aspires to become closer to Allah (swt) by
detaching itself from all other forms of attachment. It
is nourished by and satisfied with Divine guidance
and Prophetic example.

17. What is Muhasabah Nafs?
It means to take account of oneself, that is, to
undergo honest self criticism.
Honest self-criticism is an important way to purify
our souls and to light the path of blissful success.
"By the Soul and the proportion and order Given to it;
And its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right;
Truly he has succeeded who purifies it. " [91:7-9].

18. Significance of Muhasabah
Sayyidina Umar ibn al-Khattab RA (May
Allah be pleased with him) once said:
“Take account of yourselves before you
are brought to account, and weigh your
deeds before they are weighed before
you, and prepare yourselves for the Day
of Revelation.”

19. Maymun ibn Mahran (RA)
"A pious person cautiously
examines and adjudges
himself more than he
would a tyrant ruler or a
tight-fisted partner!“

20. Al-Hasan Al-Basri (RA)
 "A believer polices himself [or one might say,
his own soul].
 He assesses and adjudges [himself] for the
sake of Allah.
 The Final Judgment [of God] may end up mild
for some simply because they were quick to
adjudge themselves in this life.
 Or the Final Judgment on the Day of
Resurrection may end up a tough ordeal for
some who were unconcerned about what
they did in this life, thinking they would not
be called to account."

21. Dhu'l-Nun (RA)
 Dhu'l-Nun was asked: "What causes a devotee
to be worthy of entrance to paradise?" He said:
"One merits entrance to paradise by five
things:
1. Unwavering constancy,
2. Unflagging effort,
3. Meditation on God in solitude and society,
4. Anticipating death by preparing provision for
the hereafter, and
5. Bringing oneself to account before one is
brought to judgment."

23. Pre Requisites of Muhasabah
Nafs
 Honesty with oneself-is exceedingly hard to come
by.
 Acknowledgement within ourselves that we have
committed a sin, whether against our own souls or
others, be it our Creator or anyone or anything in
creation
 Genuine (and frequent) meditations in self-
criticism
 Verbalizing these unpleasant realities about our
deeds and ourselves is invaluable
 Planning to counteract these unfavorable
tendencies until they are altogether eliminated.

24. Impediments in the way of
Muhasabah Nafs
 Pride prevents some of us from owning our faults,
especially before people when that is necessary
 Justifying any indecent behavior or false belief.
 Misconception that honest self-criticism prevents
us from that ultimate youthful quest, "having fun.“
 It is redundant to say all human beings err.
Admitting sin is first step to disburdening
ourselves of guilt, which left to fester can quickly
and lethally metastasize.
 Denial: A famous French proverb puts it: "A fault
denied is twice committed."

25. 6 STEPS TOWARDS TAZKEYAH
(IMAM GHAZALI)
1-
Musharatah
6- 2-
Muatabah Muraqabah
Tazkeyah
Nafs
5- 3-
Mujahadah Muhasabah
4-
Muaqabah

26. 1-Mushâratah:
 To make an agreement or contract.
(„shart‟ = stipulation)
 In this step one must identify and set:
 standards,
 conditions,
 limits,
 terms and
 guidelines for one‟s own thoughts, feelings
and actions one is trying to achieve.

27. 2-Murâqabah:
 Murâqabah: to guard. („raqab‟ = guard)
 In this step one must meditate before
one‟s actions.
 This involves that one must think,
contemplate, be introspective and keep
watch over one‟s own self.
 We function as our own observer.

28. 3-Muhâsabah
 To evaluate self, taking account.
(„hisab‟ = account)
 This step involves self-examination
 One takes account of one‟s own
actions
 One continuously checks if one is
upholding the agreement

29. 4-Muâqabah
 To punish, to control. („aqabah‟ = punish)
 For the contract to work we set
consequences for ourselves when we have
done something wrong
 When we fail to keep the stipulations we
agreed to uphold, we must pay the penalty

30. 5-Mujâhadah
 To make effort, striving. („jahd‟ = effort)
 In this step one is fighting against one‟s
own lower self and inclinations.
 This is the stage of continuous and
consistent struggle to overcome one‟s
nafs.


31. 6-Muâtabah
 To rebuke. („atab‟ = repent)
 In this step, if one has failed to
maintain the contract, we make the
effort to turn around,
 Regretting and changing one‟s ways
on recognizing the error.

32. Analogy of a business
partnership
 Business is done to make profit and to
gain something from it.
 We start by setting guidelines and
make an agreement for conducting
that business,
 Rules and stipulations are established
for what to do and what to expect.

33. Guard and honor that contract
 The next step is to guard and honor that
contract and to keep a watchful eye on the
process to ensure its success.
 We need to continually evaluate all our
thoughts, actions, decisions and choices.
 Usually in a business there are consequences
when the contract is not honored. If we do
not honor our own contract to change, we
must set some consequences for ourselves
for failing.

34. Constant effort and struggle
 Constant effort and struggle is necessary for
the business to succeed and that is what we
need to do if we want to be successful in
bringing about change.
 Finally when there are mistakes we correct
them, make amends and try to turn the
business around so it can become profitable.
In the same manner we must correct our
errors and make amends as soon as we
recognize the error.

35. Practical Steps for Muhasabah
Nafs
 We must take a few minutes in the morning
 Make a contract with ourselves about how
we will conduct this business of life,
 Consciously try to maintain it, and
 Spend some time at night evaluating how
we did during the day;
 We will then live with more awareness
 We be able to improve the quality of our
life.

36. Long Term Muhasabah Nafs
 If a Believer fails to observe this brief period of
soul-searching daily, then he should at least try to
do so once every few days, or once a week.
 In this way, he draws up his life balance sheet,
depicting to him his (spiritual) assets and
liabilities.
 A Believer should also have a longer period of this
practice at the end of each month
 It should be done at an even longer period at the
end of the year, when he bids farewell to one year
and prepares for and welcomes another.

37. DUA

Allahumma aati nafsi taqwaahaa wa-zakkihaa,
anta khayru man zakkaahaa, anta waliyyuhaa wa-
mawlaahaa
Allah grant me a nafs which has taqwa and purify
it, you are the best of those who purify it, you are
its wali and mawla...
Allahumma alhimni rushdi wa-a'idhni min sharri
nafsi
Allah guide me straight and save me from my nafs