🌟 Exploring Nafs: The 🕊 Essence of the Self in Islam

Definition and Meaning

Nafs (Arabic: نفس‎‎, nafs) denotes the self or soul. In the Qur’an, it signifies the general human essence and spiritual reality of all living beings. Philosophically, it refers to the potential for actualizing self-awareness, closely linked to the intellect (aql). In Sufism, nafs is often the “lower self,” indicating physical desires as opposed to spiritual impulses, differentiated from ruh (the higher self or soul).

Etymology

The term “nafs” comes from the Arabic root “نفس” (n-f-s), meaning breath, self, or soul. This root highlights the interconnectedness of life and breath, emphasizing that to possess nafs is to be alive and conscious.

Background and Significance

1. Qur’anic Perspective:

   • In the Qur’an, nafs is used variously to refer to self, soul, and spirit. It signals aspects of human moral existence and consciousness.
   • Example: “And [by] the soul (nafs) and He who proportioned it” (Qur’an 91:7).

2. Philosophical Understanding:

   • Philosophically, figures like Al-Farabi and Avicenna discuss nafs in terms of human potential and intellect. This aspect underscores the unique human ability to attain profound self-awareness and insight.

3. Sufi Interpretation:

   • In Sufism, nafs is often understood in dual aspects: the lower, carnal desires (nafs al-ammara) and the journey towards purity and spiritual elevation (nafs al-mutma’inna).
   • Notably, Rumi’s poetry frequently explores the struggle against the lower self as part of spiritual growth.

Cultural Differences and Contexts

1. Arabic and Islamic Contexts:

   • In Arabic-speaking cultures, nafs connotes an intimate relation between life’s breath and one’s existential self.

2. Persian and Turkic Contexts:

   • Persian Sufi scholars like Hafez often elaborate on nafs in poetry, emphasizing the transcendence of base desires for divine ecstasy.
   • In Ottoman Turkish literature, nafs frequently appears in religious and poetic works emphasizing moral and spiritual awakening.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: Self, Soul, Spirit (Ruh), Intellect (Aql)
• Antonyms: Physical desires, Lower passions, Ego (Nafs al-Ammara)

Related Terms

• Ruh (روح):

  • Higher self or soul. In direct contrast with nafs in Sufi literature. Indicates spiritual and divine essence.

• Aql (عقل):

  • Intellect. Philosophically intertwined with nafs, reflecting human rational capacity.

Exciting Facts

1. Transformative Stages:

   • Nafs undergoes various stages in Sufi thought: Nafs al-Ammara (the commanding self), Nafs al-Lawwama (the self-reproaching self), and Nafs al-Mutma’inna (the tranquil self).

2. Symbolism in Literature:

   • Nafs is often symbolized by Rumi in terms of a wild horse needing taming, elucidating on human inner struggle and spiritual discipline.

Quotations from Notable Writers

• Rumi: “The nafs is a sea in which both pearls and passions are found.”

• Ibn Arabi: “The greatest struggle (jihad) is the one against your own nafs.”

Suggested Literature

1. Primary:

   • “The Essential Rumi” by Jalaluddin Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks
   • “Deliverance from Error” by Al-Ghazali
   • “The Self and Its Attributes” by Avicenna

2. Secondary:

   • “Philosophical Theology in Islam” by Peter Adamson and Richard C. Taylor
   • “Sufism: The Formative Period” by Ahmet T. Karamustafa
   • “Islamic Philosophy from the Beginning to the Present: Philosophy in the Land of Prophecy” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr

Translations

• Arabic: نفس (nafs)
• Persian: نفس (nafs)
• Turkish: Nefs
• Urdu: نفس
• Indonesian: Nafsu
• Bengali: নফস (nafs)

Ishaq Al-Kareem - October 6, 2023

“Understanding one’s nafs is a journey that transcends mere self-awareness; it is a voyage towards spiritual harmony and divine closeness.” 🌿