Accountability

PERSONAL

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.

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

3 Types of Nafs

Nafs

Ammarah Lawwamah Mutma’innah

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’.

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

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

, ‘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

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.

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

7-Stages of development of nafs

NafsulAmmarah

NafsLawwamah

Nafs al Mulhimah

Nafs alMUTMAI’NNAH

Nafs ArRadiyyah

Nafs al MARDIYYAH

Nafs alKamilah

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)

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.

Classification of Nafs by Sheikh Mukhtar Maghraui (Hafizahullah)

NAFS

BAHIMI

SUBU’EE

SHAYTAANI

MALAA’IKI

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.

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.

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].

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.”

Maymun ibn Mahran (RA)

"A pious person cautiously examines and adjudges himself more than he would a tyrant ruler or a tight-fisted partner!“

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."

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."

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.

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."

6 STEPS TOWARDS TAZKEYAH(IMAM GHAZALI)

Tazkeyah Nafs

1-Musharatah

2-Muraqabah

3-Muhasabah

4-Muaqabah

5-Mujahadah

6-Muatabah

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DUA من خير انت وزكها تقواها نفسي ات اللهم

وموالها وليها انت زكاهاAllahumma 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...

نفسي شر من وآعذني رشدي آلهمني اللهمAllahumma alhimni rushdi wa-a'idhni min sharri nafsi

Allah guide me straight and save me from my nafs