The inner self (nafs) is described in three states:
1. Nafs al-Ammārah – the soul that inclines to evil all the time. It consistently urges the person to do what Allāh prohibited; always dragging the person into evil, crime and wrongdoing all the time.
Example: A businessperson consumed in greed. Cheating, deceiving, falsifying reports, overcharging to make extra profit even at the expense of others. They feel no guilt — only satisfaction at their success. They even justify it saying: “Everyone does it. You’re just being smart.”
2. Nafs al-Lawwāmah – the reproaching soul, he holds himself accountable. The person is aware: they’ve done wrong, or missed something good; they reproach themselves, feel regret, try to improve. They want to repent and return to Allāh.
Example: in this category, that businessperson feels uneasy. They can’t stop thinking about how they deceived people. They feel ashamed and anxious: “What if I get caught? More importantly, what will I say to Allah?” They decide to make things right — perhaps refunding a client or resolving to never cheat again.
3. Nafs al-Mutmaʾinnah – the tranquil soul in peace with Allāh, the righteous person, always hastening to good and staying away from what’s forbidden. These are the people of high rank who have tasted the sweet delight taste of faith — the awliyāʾ (friends/close ones) of Allāh. Always following the good and abstaining from the prohibitions. They reside in this world physically but their souls roam in heaven.
Example: In this category, the businessperson conducts their work honestly. They refuse dishonest gains even when no one is watching. They feel calm, trusting that provision comes from Allah alone. When profits rises or falls, they say sincerely: “Alhamdulillāh — Allāh provides as He wills.
By LightOfTheTruth - Shaykh Musa Jibril حفظه الله
