1. Role of a Murshid in bringing Nafs-e-Ammarah closer to Nafs-e –Mutmainnah.
Author: Dr. Ghulam Nabi Shakir
Present study aims at exploring the role of a Murshid in bringing about some changes in Nafs-e-
Ammarah so it can be brought closer to Nafs-e-Mutmainnah. Quran has described three types of Nafoos
namely Nafs- e- Mutmainnah (soul at rest), Nafs-e-Lawwamah (Self accusing soul) and Nafs-e- Ammarah
(soul under command of Satan). All human beings fall in certain category of Nafoos which determines
the collective image of an individual. Man under the command of Satan; the Nafs-e- Ammarah is driven
by its bodily desires and instinctual needs. It may be resultant in breaching the moral values and
religious imperatives. Nafs-e- Ammarah may be transformed into Nafs-e-Mutmainnah as Quran has
clearly said that Man is inclined by nature to surrender His or Her soul to Allah almighty. It is believed by
a large proportion of Muslim Ummah that Tassawwuf offers remedy for Nafs-e-Ammarah and with the
help of Murshid or mentor the Nafs-e-Ammarah may be brought closer to state of Nafs-e- Mutmainnah.
This study explored the role of a Murshid in attaining Nafs-e- Mutmainnah. A qualitative research
approach was used and five volunteers with a history of Akhlaq- e- Mazmoma (Immoral deeds) were
interviewed. The themes emerged from interview data clearly supports the evidence of the role of
Murshid in transforming Nafs-e-Ammarah into Nafs-e-Mutmainnah.
Key Words: Nafs-e-Ammarah, Nafs-e –Mutmainnah. Nafs e Lawwamah, Role of Murshid, Fitrah
