For Muslim (submitted) men and women,
For devout men and women,
For truthful men and women,
For men and women who are patient
For men and women who humble themselves
For men and women who give in charity
For men and women who fast
For men and women who guard their chastity
For men and women who engage much in zikr
For them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.

• “The world is a collection of treasures. The best
treasure in this world is a righteous wife.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah hadith no.1855 ) •
• Abu Huraira (RA) told that when Allah's messenger
was asked which woman was best, he replied, "The
one who fills [her husband] with joy when he sees
her, obeys him when he directs and does not
oppose him by displeasing him regarding her
person or property." (Mishkat)
• The Prophet (SAW) said: "The best among your
wives is the one who is chaste and loves her
husband." (Kanz)

•
• Tarbiyah means to develop excellent skills and
abilities to be efficient and productive Islamic
workers.
• Tazkiyah means 'to purify, to develop and to grow'.
• This is an important characteristic of a Muslim/
Muslimah and the Islamic organization.
• There must be a continuous struggle amongst
workers of Islamic organization for moral and
intellectual purification and development of
excellent qualities

• Truly he succeeds who purifies. (87:14)
• Truly he succeeds that purifies it and he fails who corrupts it. (91
:8-9)
• This process of Tazkiyah cleanses what is wrong in the Nafs and
shows the righteous path and transforms the 'Nafs' into Nafs-eMutmainnah.
• '0' you righteous soul!, in satisfaction come back to your Lord, well
pleased and well pleasing unto Him.
• (Surah Fajr, 89: 27-28)

"A similar (favor have you already received) in that we have sent among you a
messenger of your own, reciting to you our verses and sanctify-ing you and
instructing you about book and wis-dom and you were before in manifest error."
( AL –BAQARA,2:151)
"It is He who has sent amongst the unlettered messenger from
amongst themselves to recite to them His verses, to sanctify them and
to instruct them in scripture and wisdom, although they had been
before in manifest error." (JUMA, 62: 2)

Tazkiyah
Ilm or
knowledge
Spiritual, Nafs
and Qalb
Amal or
Actions
Relations
Physical
Health

They were commanded none else but to sub-mit to Allah with sincerity and total
commitment. (Bayyanah, 98:5)
There must be a group among you who should invite toward goodness, enjoin
righteousness and forbid evils. (Ale-Imran, 3.104)
In one Hadith, when Prophet (SAW) was asked what is “Ihsaan”? He replied that
Ihsaan or excellence in goodness is that you worship Allah as if you witness His
presence. If you are not able to attain such level of consciousness, then at least you
should be fully aware ( of the undeniable fact that) He is watching you (and be fully
conscious of all that you do.) Bukhari:Baabul Iman.

• 1- Developing ideal Muslimah/Muslim who
• i. Submit to the Will of Allah (SWT) with their heart's
desire and pleasure
• ii. Obey and submit to Allah (SWT) with constant fear
and love and in conformity with Allah’s (SWT)
commandments, being always conscious of His
closeness.
• 2-To form an organization of such dedicated
Muslimahs/Muslims for establishing AI-Islam in their
lives
• 3- To engage in Dawah Ilallah in the family and the
society

• 1 Submission to 'Nafs' or one's desires
And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, devoid of guidance from
Allah. For Allah does not guide people given to wrong doings. Qasas,28:50
2- Blind following of forefathers-
Just in the same way, whenever we sent a warner before you to any
people, the wealthy ones among them said: "We found our fathers following
a certain religion, and we will certainly follow in their footsteps."
(Zukhruf,43:23)

• 3- Obedience of other people-
• If you were to follow the common run of that on earth, they will lead you away
from Allah's way. (An’aam, 6:116)
• 4- Love of this material world-
• 0' you who believe! let not your riches or your children divert you from
the remembrance of Allah. If any acts thus, the loss is their own.
(Muafiqoon,63:9)

Aban-Bin-Osman(R) reported from Zayd Ibn Thabit (R) that we heard from Prophet
(SAW) who said,” Whoso is worried much about this material world, Allah (SWT)
shall make his matters (of this world) complex and shall bring his deprivation
between his eyes ( in front of him). He shall get only what is destined for him. Whoso
intends for Akhirah, Allah (SWT) shall make his matters organized. He shall bestow
Ghina (freedom from greed) in his heart and material things shall come to him. (Ibn
Majah: #986)
5- Overlooking Satan's attacks and evil designs
(Satan)said: 'Then by your power, I will put all of them in the
wrong, except your servants amongst them, sincere and purified.

• 6- Neglecting the Signs and Warnings of Allah• Those who, when they are admonished with the signs of their Lord they do not
droop down as if they were deaf or blind. (25:73)
• 7- Evil- Environment:
• Abu-Huraira (R) reported that Prophet (SAW) said: “Every child is born on (Fitrah)
righteous nature (of Islam). Then his parents turn him to Judaism or Christianity.”
• 4 Types of influential environments• 1) International circle and its influences.
• 2) National aptitudes, ways and traditions.
• 3) Family circle and its values.
• 4) Friends, and acquaintances

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1- Relation with Allah (SWT) based on love, Taqwah, Ihsan
2- Haya, its concept and spirit
3- Ilm or knowledge from Qur'an, Sunnah and the literature
4- Establish 'Salah ‘ and other Ibadah
5- Fasting
6- Infaq fi sabilillah
7-Zikr
8-Dua
9- Taubah
10- Ideal Islamic Family
11- Excellent relations with others with spirit of selfless service and sacrifice
12- Physical well-being- Taharah, diet and exercise
13- Involvements in Dawah
14- Involvement in Islamic organization
15-Muhasibah or Self evaluation

• Al Quran: Say my Salah, sacrifice, my life and my
death is for Allah, the Lord of the universe.
• They were not commanded except this that
worship Allah sincerely.
• Hadith. Have fear of Allah in open and in hiding.
• Your reliance should be more on Allah than your
own resources.
• One may get the displeasure of people while
achieving pleasure of Allah.

”
• One who loves others for the sake of Allah, dislikes
for the sake of Allah, gives for the sake of Allah, and
holds back for the sake of Allah indeed perfected his
faith.
• O, Allah! We seek your help, we seek your guidance
and we seek your forgiveness. We believe upon you
and our dependence is upon you. All excellent
praises are for you. We are thankful to you and we
do not show ingratitude to you. We stay away from
one who disobeys you

• Prophets of Allah and righteous advised about the
priority of strong relation with Allah.
• Real motivation for all our actions must be our
relation with Allah and His pleasure.
• Stronger our relation with Allah the better is our
struggle in His obedience.
• Those struggling for Islamic movement, must have
their relation with Allah dearer and stronger than
any other relation.

• 1-Marafa or recognition of Allah’s names, qualities
and powers
• 2-Ibada: We created human and jinn only for Ibada.
(Zariat: 56)
Meaning of Ibada- obedience with utmost humility.
( Lisanul Arab vol.4)
• 3-Love of Allah.
Believers have the utmost love of Allah.2;165.

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
4-SHUKR (Thankfulness)Keep in mind the open and hidden blessings.
Blessed us without any of our rights.
Look towards those who have less than us in worldly
possessions.
5-Ikhlas (Sincerity)Objective of obedience- pleasure of Allah.
And they have been commanded no more than this: to
worship Allah offering Him sincere devotion..Bayyana 98:5
..So serve Allah offering Him sincere devotion. Zumar.39:2
Say it is Allah I serve with my sincere devotion. Zumar 39:14

• 6-Khauf (Fear of Allah)• Fear of Allah’s accountability should prevail all other
fears.
• ..So fear them not but fear me. 2:150
• Do you fear them? Nay, it is Allah whom you should
more justly fear. Tauba 9:13
• 7-Ta’ah. (Obedience)
• Obedience of Allah’s commands and the Sunnah of the
Prophet.
• Turn towards your Rabb and submit to Him. Zumar:54
• We did not send a Prophet except that he be obeyed
with the leave of Allah. Nisa:

• What percentage of your time, energies and
abilities is being devoted to Islamic struggle?
• What is condition of your heart on seeing rebellion
to Allah’s commands?
• Do you feel happy by accepting less halal and
forfeiting more haram?
• Does sin brings displeasure and goodness brings
pleasure to your heart?

• Definition-is an attribute which pushes the
believers:
• To avoid anything distasteful or abominable.
• It keeps them from being neglectful in giving
everyone what is due upon them
• If for any reason they are not able to keep up with
their commitment then they will feel extremely
bad and ashamed about this.
• The reason being that they will have displeased
Allah by breaking a commitment.

• ..for Allah ever watches over you. Nisa 4:1
• Allah knows of (the tricks) that deceive with the eyes
and all that the heart (of men) conceal.
(Momin 40:19)
• There is not a secret consultation between three but he
makes the fourth among them..(Mujadila58:7)
• Hayaa’ is derived from Hayaat, which means life. It is
only obvious that when someone has Hayaa’ in
them, they will LIVE a life of Islam
• "Hayaa’ and trustworthiness will be the first to go
from this world, therefore keep asking Allah for them."
(Baihaqi)

• Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA): The Prophet (SAW)
said, "Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty
branches (i.e. parts). And Hayaa’ (this term "Hayaa’"
covers a large number of concepts which are to be
taken together; amongst them are selfrespect, modesty, bashfulness, scruple, etc.) is a part of
faith." (Bukhari)
• Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar (RA): The Prophet passed
by a man who was admonishing his brother regarding
Hayaa’ and was saying, "You are very shy, and I am
afraid that might harm you." On that, Allah's Apostle
said, "Leave him, for Hayaa’ is (a part) of Faith."

• 1- ‘The good Hayaa’ is to be ashamed to commit a
crime or do a thing which Allah and His Messenger
(sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) have forbidden
• 2-’Bad Hayaa’ is to be ashamed to do a thing, which
Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa
sallam) have ordered us to do
• 3- Guarding Chastity and modesty- To obey the
order of Allah (a'zza wa jall) which tells us to keep
hidden our beauty and adornments from all men
lawful in marriage

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1- Hijab is an act of obedience of Allah (Ta’ah)
2- Hijab is modesty ( Iffah)
3- Hijab is purity (Taharah)
4- Hijab is a shield (Sitr)
5- Hijab is act of righteousness (Taqwah)
6- Hijab is part of faith (Iman)
7- Hijab is symbol of bashfulness (Hayaa)
8- Hijab is sign of protective envy (Gheerah)

• "Indeed hayaa’ (modesty) and Iman
(faith) are Companions. When one of
them is lifted, the other leaves as well."
(Baihaqi)
• Narrated on the authority of Anas bin
Malik, the Prophet (saw) said: "When
lewdness is a part of anything, it
becomes defective; and when hayaa’ is a
part of anything it becomes beautiful."
(Tirmidhi)

’
• 1-Allah loves Hayaa’. We know this by the following
hadith: "Surely Allah (is One who) has Hayaa’ and
is the Protector. He loves Hayaa’ and people who
cover each other’s faults." (Bukhari)
• 2-Hayaa’ itself is a Greatness of Islam, as our Noble
Prophet (SAW) indicated: "Every way of life has an
innate character. The character of Islam is Hayaa’."
Or "Every deen (religion) has an innate character.
The character of Islam is modesty (Hayaa’)." (Abu
Dawood)

• 3- Hayaa’ only brings good and nothing else. Our
Prophet (saw) said: "Hayaa’ does not bring anything
except good." (Bukhari)
• 4-Hayaa’ is a very clear indication of our iman (faith).
As the Prophet (SAW) mentioned to an Ansari
Companion who was condemning his brother about
being too shy: "Leave him, for Hayaa’ is (a part) of
Faith." (Bukhari)
• 5-Hayaa’ leads us to PARADISE. As the Prophet (SAW)
informed us: "Hayaa’ comes from Iman (faith); Iman
leads to Paradise. Obscenity comes from antipathy; and
antipathy leads to the fire." (Bukhari)

1- Trust in Allah who is the source of knowledgeAnd upon Allah put your trust, if you are truly
believers. (Al Maidah,23)
2- Sincere intentionIndeed Allah is with those who have Taqwah and who
are doers of good. (An Nahl,128)
3- Make Dua to Allah in humilityAnd say O’ My Rabb! Increase me in knowledge.
(Taha,114)

• 4- An upright heartSpiritually diseased hearts do not get knowledge as
Allah says about hypocrites:
They have hearts with which they do not
comprehend. (Al Araaf,179)
• 5-Intelligence- It could be natural or acquired. In
both cases we need to work to enhance it.
• 6- Strong Desire and Motivation- One must be
eager in studies, manage time to acquire ILM
• 7-Patience and Perseverance- One must be
steadfast in face of hardship on the path of ILM

• 8- Proficiency- Apply highest extent of effort to
achieve knowledge and its depth with ability to
apply it in solving problems.
• 9- Accompanying pious qualified teacherThis helps to acquire ILM on firm and correct basis. In
addition, one acquires good moral values and piety.
• 10- Life long quest- Al Qadee Iyaad was once
asked,” Until when should a student seek ILM?” He
replied: “ Until he dies, at which point his inkwell
should be spilled upon his grave.”

• Allah will exalt in degree those amongst you who
believe and those who are granted knowledge.
Allah is aware of what you do. (Mjadilah: 11)
• Imam Shafi(RA) said, “ After obligatory deeds,
nothing is more beloved to Allah than studying to
acquire knowledge.”
• Abu Darda (RA) said,” Studying Islam for one hour is
more rewarding than praying entire night in
Tahajjad.”
• Imam Zuhri (RA) said,” Nothing is better in worship
of Allah than to achieve knowledge of Deen.”

• A-Memorization of Quran;
There are certain Surahs or Ayahs of the Qur'an
which, it is reported, the Prophet (SAW) used to recite
more often in particular Prayers or on specific
occasions. We should try to memorize these and
recite in our Prayers.
• B-Tarteel-"And recite the Qur'an in slow measured
rhythmic tones" (Muzammil)
Tarteel is the term used to define the rules that
explain how to recite the Qur'an in the way and
manner that the angel Jibreel (AS) recited to our
beloved Messenger (SAW).

• , ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the
reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited
Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if
reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited
Surah al Ikhlas (112) would get a reward as if
reading one third of the Qur’an’. (At-Tirmidhi)
• There is no envy (acceptable) except in two (cases):
a person whom Allah has given the Qur’an and
recites it throughout the night and throughout the
day. And a person whom Allah has given
wealth, that he gives out throughout the night and
throghout the day.” *Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

• Tajweed means "Improving," or "to make
something better." Tajweed is a manner of
beautifying the recitation of the Qur'an by reciting
in a much slower manner than tarteel.
• http://www.abouttajweed.com/
• Understanding of Quran and Quranic Arabic:
• We should take advantage of excellent on line e
book and A/V material provided by
www.understandquran.com

• “Verily Allah raises nations by this book (the Qur’an)
and puts down (i.e. destroys) others by it.” *Muslim]
• We should make a target of reading at least a
chapter a day.
• If one can’t manage that then at least half a
chapter.
• If one still can’t manage that then recite at least
quarter of a chapter or even a page a day.
• We should try to recite each day with its meanings
and implement what we learn into our daily lives

• A. We must make every effort to perform five times
daily prayer. No matter where we are.
• This is the first thing that draws you near to
Allah, the Glorified and the Exalted, and you are in
His Presence
• We must try to establish Salah with
congregation, at the masjid or at home with our
family members
• If one looses a single prayer one should feel as if
everything is lost and offer 'Qada' without any
delay.

• The Prophet (SAW) said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah
said: "I ask of you to be your companion in
paradise." The Prophet said: “Anything else?"
Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet (SAW) said to
him: "Then help me by making many prostrations
(nafl prayers)." [Muslim]
• Tahajjad- Prophet (SAW) said, “Hold fast to night
prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before
you, a way of drawing closer to your Lord, an
expiation for wrong deeds, and a shield from sin.”
(Tirmidhi)

• Fasting is not restricted to Ramadan.
• Fasting 6 days of Shawwal is recommended
• `Aisha (RA) said: Prophet (SAW) used to fast
Mondays and Thursdays". [An-Nasai; Sahih]
• Prophet (SAW) said "O Abu Dhār! if you fast three
days of every month, then fast the 13th, the 14th
and the 15th [ al-ayaam al-beedh, the white days]".
[Ahmad, an-Nasaa'i and at-Tirmithi)
• Fasting on the day of Arafah and Ashurah is also
meritorious

• Obligatory Infaq 'that is Zakah must be paid
• Optional Infaq should be practiced all the time.
• Real worth is not of the quantity which you spend
but the spirit of sacrifice for the sake of Allah.
(Maududi)
• “You shall not attain true goodness until you give of
what you love.”(Ale Imran:92)
• “Believers shade on the Day of Judgment shall be
his charity.” (Tirmidhi)

• "…Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts
find rest." (13:28)
• Remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest
virtue.(29:46).
• O ye who believe, remember Allah much. And
glorify Him morning and evening (33:42-43)

• The Prophet (SAW) said, "The similitude of one who
remembers his Rubb and one who does not
remember Him, is like that of the living and the
dead.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
• When a man complained, "The laws of Islam are
heavy for me, so tell me something that I can easily
follow," the Prophet told him, "Let your tongue be
always busy with the remembrance of Allah."
[Ahmad].
• Zikr can be done anywhere and anytime

• "Call on Me. I will answer your prayer, but those
who are too arrogant to serve me will surely find
themselves humiliated in Hell" (40:60).
• "Call upon your Lord Humbly and in secret" (Quran
7:55),
• "Is not He (best) who listens to the (soul) distressed
when it calls on Him, and who relieves its suffering."
(Quran 27:62)
• "When My servants question thee concerning Me, I
am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of
every suppliant when he calleth on Me" (Quran
2:186

• Aisha(RA) said, "No believer makes Dua and it is
wasted. Either it is granted here in this world or
deposited for him in the Hereafter as long as he
does not get frustrated.“
• "Whosoever does not supplicate to Allah, He will be
angry with Him." [Saheeh Jaami`as-Sagheer #2414)
• "The supplication that gets the quickest answer is
the one made by one Muslim for another in his
absence." [Abu Daw'ud and Tirmidhi]

• And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself, but
then seeks forgiveness from Allah, he will find Allah
forgiving and merciful. (Nisaa 4:110)
• And seek Allahs forgiveness. Certainly, Allah is
Forgiving, Merciful. (Muzzammil 73:20)
• Lo! Allah is a Lord of Kindness to mankind, but most
of mankind give not thanks. (al-Baqarah 2:143)

• 1- Act of repentance be sincerely for Allah alone.
• 2- Person must feel remorse and guilt over his
actions so much so that he wished he had never
done it in the first place.
• 3- Person must immediately cease performing the
wrong and sinful act.
• 4- Repentant person must have a firm intention to
never commit the sin again.
• 5- Person must repent before it is too late, meaning
before death approaches

• Taubah opens the door of hope with the
Mercy, forgiveness and salvation from the most
Merciful Allah (SWT)
• Repentance is an act, which purifies the soul
• It increases humility and removes arrogance
• It brings the servant closer to Allah.
• It puts the heart at rest from guilt.
• It protects one from falling prey to his/her desires
lusts
• It increases the faith in Allah (SWT) as our most
Kind, Merciful and Forgiving Lord.

O ye who believe! Save yourselves and your families
from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones over which
are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe who flinch
not (from executing) the Commands they receive
from Allah but do (precisely) what they are

• Work of Dawah and Aqamah of Deen begins at
home
• One must try to establish congregational prayers
with the family members
• One must conduct collective study of Qur’an with
the family members at least three times a week.
• One must pay all due rights to the spouse and
children and treat them with love, respect and
understanding.

• Many think that “a perfect Muslim” is simply one
who observes Salah , the fasting, the Zakah and the
Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah)
• One can never get close to Allah by being
arrogant, full of pride and having a bad character
and manners.
• Prophet (SAW) said, “Nothing is heavier in the
scales of a believer on the Day of Judgment than
his good behavior. Allah detests a person who is
obscene and shameless”. (Tirmidhi)

• The Prophet (SAW) said: “And no one humbles himself
before Allah but Allah will raise him (in status).”
Nawawi.
• . As the Prophet(SAW) said "Al-Kibr is rejecting the
truth and looking down upon people" [Muslim)
• Humbleness is that one should humble himself with
his companions.
• Humbleness is to humble oneself to one who is below
you.
• Humbleness is that your deeds should not become too
great.
• The arrogant never gives credit to anybody or
mentions good about others.

•
•
•
•
•
Sincerity
Honesty
Truthfulness
Moderation
Refined and gentle in speech, don’t curse and use foul
language
• Considerate , compassionate and loving, don’t be harsh
• Polite and respectful to people, don’t be insulting or
disrespectful
• Generous and charitable, don’t be selfish and miserly

• Good natured and forgiving, don’t be bitter and
resentful.
• Share and be content with what Allah has given
you, don’t be greedy
• Cheerful and pleasant, don’t be irritable and morose
• Chaste and pure, don’t be lustful
• Dignified and decent, don’t be graceless
• Optimistic and hopeful, don’t be cynical or pessimistic
• Confident and have deep faith, don’t be doubtful and
wavering
• Spiritually oriented and not materialistic

• A true believer recognizes the wonder of the human
body and is grateful to the Creator.
• Islam’s holistic approach to health covers all
aspects of the mind, body and soul.
• A truly health conscious person blends
diet, nutrition and exercise with the remembrance
of God and an intention to fulfill all their religious
obligations

• Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “ A strong
believer was better than a weak believer”.
• The Prophet (peace be on him) once wrestled with
a man called Rukanah who was well-known for his
strength, throwing him down more than once.
(Reported by Abu Daoud.)
• Islam lays emphasis on cleanliness (Taharah), a
simple diet combined with physical exercise.

• The daily performance of five prayers is in itself a
form of exercise.
• Good health is necessary if one intends to fast the
month of Ramadan.
• Performance of the Hajj (or pilgrimage to Mecca) is
an arduous task that requires many days of hard
physical effort

And thus We have made you a community of the middle
way, so that you may be witnesses [to the Truth] before all
mankind, and the Messenger may be witness [to it] before
you (al-Baqarah 2: 143)
O believers, be ever steadfast in standing up, for the
sake of God, bearing witness to justice (al-Ma'idah 5:
8)

• You have been given Divine guidance,
• You have been shown the Truth.
• You must, therefore, establish by your testimony
and witness its authenticity and truthfulness
before all mankind
• Messengers were sent to the world; this was their
primary duty.
• After them, their followers were entrusted with the
same duty

A- Through Words
• Through our speech and writing, we should
proclaim and explain Islam to the world
• Islam’s complete guidance in all aspects of life
including thought, belief, in morality, in culture and
civilization is to be conveyed.
• We must establish its truth and soundness, by
rational discourse and convincing evidence
• We must commit all our hearts and minds, all of
our resources, to this cause

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Warning (indhar)
Bringing glad tidings (tabshir)
Inviting and calling (da'wah)
Communicating (tabligh)
Teaching and instructing (ta'lim)
Conveying and propagating (tilawah).

• Let our lives speak the truth
• Let the world taste in our conduct, individual and
collective, that sweetness which only the faith in
One God can impart to character and morality
• Our actions must show how every aspect of life is
set right, developed and enriched
• Principles and teachings which Islam proclaims to
be true are indeed true, and that they do improve
the quality of human life and raise it to better and
higher levels.

• Establishing Islam in our lives (Iqamatu 'd-din)
• Making God's guidance and way of life proclaim
over all others (Izhar)
• Establishing justice (Qist)
• Enjoining right and forbidding wrong (Amar Bil
Maroof and Nahi Anil Munkar)
• Jihad or struggle

• “Hold fast to al-Jama’ah and stay away from
division.” (Ttirmizi)
•
• “I order you of five things: to be with al jama’ah, to
listen to the leaders, to obey the leader’s
orders, hijrah, and jihad.” (Tirmizi)
• “Whosoever obeyed the leader, he obeyed me
(i.e., the Prophet) and whosoever disobeyed the
leader, he disobeyed me.” (Muslim)

• “Stay with al-Jama’ah, because the wolf devours the
goat that runs away (from the herd).” (Abu
Dawood)
• “Satan is man’s wolf, just like there is goat’s wolf
who hunts the goats that stay aloof, or run away or
are separated (from the herd).” (Mishkat)
• “Stay with al-Jama’ah and stay away from divisions.
This is because Satan is with one individual, but
stays away from two.” (Tirmizi)

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

Types
of Nafs
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
And I do call to witness the self-reproaching spirit. 75:2
"O (thou) soul in (complete) rest and satisfaction! 89:27

1-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.
3-Shaytaani nafs, the devilish nafs.
This type seeks to mischievously plot and scheme in creating evil and causing harm to others.
4-Malaaiki nafs, the angelic nafs.
This nafs finds its greatest pleasure in nearness to its Creator.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

• 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.

• If a Believer fails to observe this brief period of soulsearching 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

•
Allahumma aati nafsi taqwaahaa wa-zakkihaa, anta
khayru man zakkaahaa, anta waliyyuhaa wamawlaahaa
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