This is the 4th component of Islamic Psychology. The concept of nafs, commonly translated as “soul” or “self,” is fundamental in understanding the human experience. The nafs is considered the core of a person and is regarded to be a complex and multi-dimensional part of the human being. Before you can control the nafs, you need to know about the What is Nafs in Islam.
Definition of Nafs in Islam
The word Nafs (نَفْس) is derived from Arabic and now means “self” or “soul” in English. In the Islamic context, Nafs Islam is considered the essence of a person’s being, the part that drives desires and instincts. Understanding the nature of Nafs allows Muslims to grasp the importance of controlling it for worldly growth and spiritual growth.
Two Ways the Word Nafs is Used in the Quran
In the Quran-e-Kareem the word nafs is used in two ways.
- The 1st way that the word nafs is used is to refer our own-self. While some people translate it as “self” in English, while others translate it as soul. An example of this is when Allah Almighty mentions in the Quran:
وَاذْكُرْ رَبَّكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ
“And remember your Lord within yourself” [7:205]
- The second way “nafs” is used in the Quran, which is quite common, refers to a specific aspect of ourselves—the part that harbors desires and appetites. Some people also refer to it as the ego. It has passion, it has anger, it has desire, lust, it has all these things. Some refer to it as the carnal self or carnal soul. This aspect of the nafs is separate from the Ruh and is linked to the physical body of a human being. If we were to explain our creation, we could say that we have a physical aspect, which includes both our body and nafs, and Allah Almighty has also placed within us a spiritual aspect, which is our ruh. The nafs is a part of our physical existence, although it is not directly part of the physical body.
Different Levels of Nafs in Islam
There are many different stages or levels of the nafs in Islamic psychology. Every stage describes a different facet of the self. These levels are usually described as:
- the “lower self” (nafs ul-ammara),
- the “reproaching self” (nafs ul-lawwama),
- the “content self” (nafs ul-mutma’inna).
The 3 Types of Nafs in Islam
- Nafs-ul-ammarah
- Nafs-ul-lawwamah
- Nafs-ul-mutmainnah
1. The First type of nafs is known as nafs-ul-ammarah
إِنَّ النَّفْسَ لَأَمَّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ
” Indeed the nafs that overwhelmingly commands a person to do sin.” [12:53]
So this refers to that nafs, that is reigning over the self. This means that the nafs direct and influence us and tell us what to do. So when the nafs has any wish, any desire, any appetite, it takes control and dominates us. This nafs holds authority over a person, ruling over us. If it is the Nafs e Ammara (the commanding self), it means we are under its influence, following its orders and dictates without question. So This is the first type of nafs, and a clear sign that a person possesses this type is when they sin openly, willingly, and without any remorse, doing whatever they desire.
And if we think about it, in many places in the West this concept is actually appreciated because people say, “You should do what makes you happy, what makes you happy, what you Do whatever your heart desires.” While it might be glamorized as following the heart, many people, whether from the East or West, including some Muslims, are simply following their own passions and desires. This indicates the presence of nafs-ul-ammarah—the part of the self that inclines towards wrongdoing.
2. The Second type of nafs is known as nafs-ul-lawwamah
The word lawwamah is from the same type of word as ammar, and Allah Almighty has mentioned it in the Quran:
وَلَآ أُقۡسِمُ بِٱلنَّفۡسِ ٱللَّوَّامَةِ
“And I do swear by the self-reproaching soul!” [75:2]
Lawwam refers to the act of self-incrimination, self-reproach, and blaming oneself. This type of nafs may lead a person to commit sins, but afterward, it feels remorse and guilt. The guilt becomes so strong that it motivates the person to abandon those sins due to the overwhelming feeling of regret and self-reproach. So, the sign of this nafs-ul-lawwamah is that when a person commits a sin they feel regret, they feel remorse, they feel shame, and they feel guilt, they feel embarrassment, they wish they could back their actions, and often resolve never to repeat the mistake again. So, they are constantly struggling with their nafs. Sometimes they may fall into sin, while at other times, they manage to resist and stay away from it.
3. The Third type of nafs is known as nafs-ul-mutmainnah
يَـٰٓأَيَّتُهَا ٱلنَّفْسُ ٱلْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ
˹Allah will say to the righteous,˺ “O tranquil soul! [89:27]
ٱرْجِعِىٓ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةًۭ مَّرْضِيَّةًۭ
Return to your Lord, well pleased ˹with Him˺ and well pleasing ˹to Him˺. [89:28]
So, Allah Almighty addresses the mutma’in nafs. And mutma’in here means two things.
- Number one is that they are mutma’in, meaning they are content with the decrees (hukm) of Allah Almighty, and nothing else brings them true happiness. While they engage in activities that please them, they have been shaped, trained, and disciplined so thoroughly that the only thing that genuinely satisfies them and brings them peace is what pleases Allah Almighty. Therefore, their heart finds contentment solely in what makes Allah Almighty happy and pleased.
- Second meaning of mutma’in also refers to a soul that has attained a state of serenity—a peaceful, contented, and tranquil self. This peace means it possesses safety (aman) and tranquility (itminan), not just from committing sins but also from even desiring them. While it still has desires—as is the nature of the soul—it only yearns for what is good and righteous. The hallmark of this condition is exactly what we’ve just described: the person not only avoids committing sins but also no longer harbors any desire for them. That aspect of their humanity responsible for desires now solely yearns for what Allah Almighty regards as desirable and has completely stopped craving what He has deemed undesirable.
Allah Almighty views as desirable and has stopped desiring those things that Allah Almighty has labeled as undesirable.
Importance of Controlling Nafs in Islam
Controlling the nafs isn’t just about personal development; it’s a fundamental part of Islamic faith. By mastering our nafs, we align ourselves closer to Allah’s guidance, leading to a more fulfilling and spiritually enriched life.
13 Easy Steps How to Control Nafs
Ready to take control? Let’s dive into these practical steps.
Constant Purification
Consistently enhance your acts of worship and strive to obey Allah in all aspects of life. Follow His guidance as taught in the Quran and Hadith. Begin by prioritizing obligatory practices like the five daily prayers, and then gradually incorporate additional voluntary acts of worship.
Conscious Awareness
Your nafs is conscious , giving you the ability to control the choices you make, which will affect both your daily life and your afterlife. Always remain mindful of Allah and make the intentional decision to free yourself from harmful desires and temptations.
Avoid Sins and Prohibitions
Always follow any negative thought, word, or deed with a positive one. You can achieve this by seeking knowledge and learning beneficial teachings. This approach allows you to distinguish truth from falsehood and understand what is permissible from what is prohibited.
Remember the Test of Temporal Life
This temporary life serves as a test and preparation for our ultimate destination—the eternal world of the hereafter. So, which one is truly more deserving of our efforts?
Follow the Sunnah
We have the perfect role model in our beloved Prophet. By following his example, you will never go wrong.
Practice Patience (Sabr)
Patience is the armor against the nafs’s impulsive tendencies.
Allah (SWT) Says in the quran:
“And seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, it is a burden except for the humble— [Quran 2:45]
Give in Charity (Sadaqah)
Charity purifies the heart from greed and selfishness. Make it a habit to set aside a small amount for charity regularly. Even a smile is considered charity!
Think of Positive and Negative Effect of Every Action
For example, performing the five daily prayers provides physical and psychological benefits, leading to serenity and a tranquil state that lasts beyond the prayer times. Conversely, delaying or neglecting prayers due to laziness or negligence can result in feelings of guilt, burden, regret, and the urge to make excuses, in addition to accumulating sins.
Utilize Your Time Wisely
Evaluate how you spend your time and the deeds that fill it. Aim to stay positively engaged in activities that bring rewards. Contribute to the Ummah (community) without expecting any personal gain—consider it an investment for your hereafter.
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Keep Good Company
The people around you can elevate or drag down your nafs.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend. “
(Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 4833)
Purify Your Actions Through Intentions
Regularly renew your intentions, focusing them on pleasing Allah and earning Paradise. Isn’t the promise of Paradise and its wonders sufficient motivation to relinquish immediate gratifications?
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Maintain Consistency in Good Deeds
Consistency transforms actions into habits, molding the nafs positively.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,
“the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it were little.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6464)
Sincere Repentance (Tawbah)
Repentance cleanses the soul and humbles the nafs. Don’t let guilt weigh you down. Turn it into motivation to seek forgiveness and do better.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
“All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent often.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4251)
Dua for Nafs Control:-
Conclusion
Controlling the nafs is a lifelong journey filled with challenges and triumphs. But remember, every step you take toward mastering your nafs is a step closer to Allah. As Rumi beautifully said,
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
The journey might be long, but the destination is truly worth it. Are you ready to start? Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take that step today!
May Allah guide us all on the straight path and grant us the strength to master our nafs. (Ameen)
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