[Slideshare] akhlaq-course (february 2013-batch) -# 4-about-the-nafs-(16-march-2013)

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,
MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.
“INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY
OF ‘ILM -AL-AKHLAQ ”
Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adults
conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail
LESSON # 4 –

ABOUT THE ‘NAFS’ (SELF)
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF
‘ILM AL-AKHLAQ
“Verily! You (Muhammad) are upon the
most exalted (Kuluq) disposition.”

Using text & curriculum he has developed especially for
Muslim converts and young Adult English-speaking Muslims.

“To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)”

All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2013)
)
16 MARCH 2013

MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.

“And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about the soul ( RUH).
Say, "The soul (RUH) is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind
have not been given of knowledge except a little.”
(Qur’an: al-Isra‘: 17: 85)


MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.

“Guide us to the straight path -The path of those upon whom
You have bestowed favour, not of those who have evoked
[Your] anger or of those who are astray.
(Qur’an: al-Fatihah: 1: 5-7)


MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.

“O you who have attained to faith! (ISwBIRU) Be patient in
adversity, and (SwOBIRU) vie in patience with one another ;
and (ROBITwU) remain stationed (ever ready to do what is
right) and (be conscious and) fear Allah (TAQWALLAH); that
you may be successful.”
(Qur’an: Aali-’Imran: 3: 200)

MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.

“But as for those who strive hard (JAHIDU) in Our cause -We shall
most certainly guide them onto paths that lead unto Us: for,
behold, Allah is indeed with the doers of good (MUHSINEEN).”
(Qur’an: Ankabut: 29: 69)


“Consider the human self (NAFS), and how it is
formed in accordance with what it is meant to be,
and how it is imbued with moral failings as well as
with consciousness of Allah!
To a happy state shall indeed attain he who causes
this [NAFS - self] to grow in purity, and truly lost is
he who buries it [in darkness].”
(Qur’an: Shams: 91: 7-10)


The teaching of Islam is not merely concerned about the
outward manifestation of one’s submission (although important and
indispensible).
Its perfection which is important and indispensible – perhaps
many may disregard - is the concept of IHSAN that requires the inner
dimension of a Muslim’s servitude and worship. Since the essence of
‘ibadat is the intention, residing in our spiritual heart/mind (QALB)
which requires sincerity (IKHLASW), knowledge on how to maintain
it’s purity and growth is vital.
Thus knowledge about the nature and state of our spiritual Self
(NAFS) is very important.


“He (Allah) it is who has sent unto the unlettered
people a messenger from among themselves, to convey
unto them His messages, and (YUZAK-KII-HIM) to
cause them to grow in purity, and to impart unto them
the divine writ as well as wisdom - whereas before that
they were indeed, most obviously, lost in error.”
(Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62: 2)


Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was sent as the educator of mankind
par excellence. The previous verse explains the manner of his
approach and most significant (important and indispensible) is the
stage of TAZKIYYATUN-NUFUS (Purification and growth of the spiritual
Selves) before his imparting or teaching them the Qur’an (al-Kitab) and
As-Sunnah (al-Hikmah).

And unlike secular education, what truly defines the essence of a
person in Islamic worldview is his soul or spiritual Self. Mere outward
transformation only is unacceptable without also a corresponding
inner change.


For in Islam, the success of our education is not merely in Muslims
being knowledgeable but requires that such knowledge must transform
their disposition (AKHLAQ) with noble virtues - the raison d'être of our
Prophet’s mission as in one of his sayings.

“Verily, I have not been sent (as Prophet) except to
perfect the noble Akhlaq (disposition of mankind).”
(Hadith reported by Malik)


And “ AKHLAQ “, as asserted by Imam Hujwiri rahm.a. :

“are non-contrived praiseworthy actions not proceeding from
particular motives. Their outer form is in harmony with their
inner truth; they are actions devoid of pretension.”


From root : Meaning ….

“The state (HAI-A-TUN) , in the inner self (LIN - NAFSI), rooted or
stable (RAA-SI-KHATUN), a consequence of which actions in the
person are engendered (TAS-DURUU - ANHA - AL-AF-’AL), with
ease (BI YUS-RIN ) and facility (WA –SU-HUU-LATIN), without the
need for thoughts and effort (MIN – GHAYRI -HAA-JA - TIN – ILAA-
FIK-RATIN – WA RAWIY-YA)”
- Imam Abu Hamid Muhammad al-Ghazali


“Consider the human self (NAFS), and how it is
formed in accordance with what it is meant to be ,”
(Qur’an: Shams: 91: 7-10)


The first that a person is naturally aware of is – “himself /
herself”. This consciousness naturally develops and everything else
becomes identified relative to it.
As mankind is created in “the best conformation”, he is equipped
with capabilities. Inherent within him are faculties with great
potentials, if not properly nurtured may cause its growth to become
distorted or unbalanced.
Amongst the latent powers or faculties termed as “Quw-wah”,
some of which are also inherent in some other beings, yet it is
mankind that possess all of these. Yet which one uniquely
distinguishes mankind as human?


NON-LIVING PLANTS ANIMALS HUMANS

.
X X X
Thought & Speech

. .
X X

Movement at will

Procreation (sexual)
X X
. .

Growth (Physical)
X
. . .

Sustenance
X
. . .

“THE MOST GRACIOUS has imparted this Qur’an
[unto man]. He has created man: He has imparted
unto him articulate thought and speech (AL-
BAYAN).”
(Qur’an: Rahman: 55: 1-4)


“[At His behest] the sun and the moon run their
appointed courses; [before Him] prostrate them
selves the stars and the trees. And the skies has He
raised high, and has devised [for all things] a
measure, so that you [too, O men,] might never
transgress the measure [of what is right]:weigh ,
therefore, [your deeds] with equity (QISTw), and cut
not the measure short!”
(Qur’an: arRahman: 55: 59)


“Alif. Lam. Ra. A DIVINE WRIT [this revelation]
which We have bestowed upon thee from on high in
order that thou might bring forth all mankind, by
their Sustainer's leave, out of the depths of
darkness into the light: onto the way that leads to
the Almighty, the One to whom all praise is due ”
(Qur’an: Ibrahim: 14: 1)


“Verily we have honoured the children of Adam. We carry
them on the land and the sea, and have made provision of
good things for them, and have preferred them above many
of those whom We created with a marked preferment.”
(Qur’an: alIsra’: 17: 70)

“Verily We created Man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order
to try him: so We gave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight.
We showed him the Way: whether he be grateful or ungrateful
(rests on his will).”
(Qur’an: alInsan: 76:23)

“Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until
they change it themselves (within their own souls/selves).”
(Qur’an: arRa’d: 13: 11)


“Many are the Jinns and men We have made for
Hell: they have hearts (QULUB)wherewith they
understand not, eyes (U’YUUN)wherewith they see
not, and ears (UDZUNUN) wherewith they hear not.
They are like cattle nay more misguided: for they are
heedless (of warning).”
(Qur’an: alA’raf: 7:179)


“But nay they who are bent on evildoing follow but their
own desires , without having any knowledge (of the truth).
And who could guide those whom Allah has [thus] let go
astray, and who (thereupon) have none to succour them?”
(Qur’an: Rum: 30: 29)


“AND SO, set thy face steadfastly towards the [one
evertrue] faith, turning away from all that is false,
in accordance with the natural disposition
(FITwRAH) which Allah has instilled into man: [for,]
not to allow any change to corrupt what Allah has
thus created (LIKHALQILLAAH) this is the
[purpose of the one] evertrue faith; but most
people know it not.”
(Qur’an: Rum: 30: 30)


“VERILY, in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a
good example (USWATUN HASANAH) for everyone who
looks forward [with hope and awe] to Allah and the Last
Day, and remembers Allah unceasingly.”
(Qur’an: Ahzab: 33: 21)


“Verily, I have not been sent (as Prophet) except to
perfect the noble Akhlaq (disposition of mankind).”
(Hadith reported by Malik)


“And you (Q Muhammad, stands) on an exalted standard
of character (disposition).”
(Qur’an: Qalam: 68: 4)


“Say: Our life takes its colour from Allah! And who could give a
better colour (to life) than Allah? And it is He (alone) Whom we
worship.”
(Qur’an: alBaqarah: 2: 138)


Elevated to the
highest, even
ANGELS higher than
Angels
JINN (spirits)
MANKIND IN THE CENTRE

ANIMALS Debased to be
the lowest of the
PLANTS low.


MANKIND CREATED IN THE BEST OF MOULD

WITHIN MAN, HE SHARES MANY POWERS AS IN OTHER SPECIES

‘AQLIYYAH Angelic

WAHM/KHAYALI Satanic

FITRAH SALIMA Adamic

BAHIMIYAH Animalistic

NABATIYY Vegetative



Al-‘AQLIYYAH
Power of intelligence

Al- WAHMIYYAH / KHAYALIYYAH

Power of abstraction / imagination




AL-GHADABIYYAH

Power of anger

AL-SHAH-WIYYAH

Power of desires


The function and value of every one of these powers or faculties
of the “nafs” is commonly well understood. If man did not have the
power of reason (intelligence), it would have been impossible for
him to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong, true and
false.

If he did not possess the faculty of anger, he could not defend
himself against attack and aggression.


If force of sexual attraction and desire did not exist in man, the
continued existence of the human species would be endangered.

And finally if man lacked the power of imagination, he could not
visualise universals or particulars, and he would be unable to make
any inference based on them.


As in all things which Allah has created, the principle of moderation
and balance is applicable. The principle also applies to these faculties
which are to be developed in man.

The means to attain to this Islamic principle of “justice; excellence;
balance or equilibrium” in the Qur’anic terms of ‘ADALA, IHSAN, QISTw
etc. manifesting these in ourselves as witnesses to TAUHEED -
attestation to Oneness of Allah.
The golden rule is moderation - WASAT - neither lacking in nor too
much excessive use of these inherent powers - it will produce certain
traits or disposition (AKHLAQ) in man. The following chart may explain:


“ Quwwah ” DEFICIENT EXCESSIVE MODERATION

(Faculty or Power)

 Intelligence  Stupidity Slyness Wisdom

 Anger  Cowardice Foolhardiness Courage

 Desire  Lethargy Rapacious

Chaste/modesty
 Imagination /
abstraction  Submissive Tyranny
Justice

“Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire?
Then would you be responsible for him? Or do you think that
most of them hear or reason? They are not except like livestock.
Rather, they are [even] more astray in [their] way.”
(Qur’an:Furqan: 35: 43-44)


“And We gave them clear proofs of the matter [of religion]. And
they did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out
of jealous animosity between themselves. Indeed, your Lord will
judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that
over which they used to differ.”
(Qur’an: Jatsiyah: 45: 17)


“Then We put you, [O Muhammad], on an ordained way concerning the
matter [of religion – SHARI’AH]; so follow it and do not follow the
inclinations of those who do not know. Indeed, they will never avail you
against Allah at all. And indeed, the wrongdoers are allies of one
another; but Allah is the protector of the righteous.”
(Qur’an: Jatsiyah: 45: 18)

“Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: women
and sons; heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded
(for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled
land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness
to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to).”
(Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3:14)


"But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee,
the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world:
but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not
(occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who
do mischief."
(Qur’an: Qasas: 28: 77)


"Be not deceived by the [uninhibited] movement of the
disbelievers throughout the land. [It is but] a small enjoyment;
then their [final] refuge is Hell, and wretched is the resting place."
(Qur’an: Aasli ‘Imran: 3: 196-197)


“Behold, Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and the
giving (i.e. generosity) to kith and kin (i.e. fellow man), and
He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He
instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.”
(Qur’an: an-Nahlu: 16 : 90)


TO BE CONTINUED -


"O Allah! I ask Your Blessings and peace be upon Muhammad
and his Household and companions.”


“O Allah! Make us see the Truth to be true and grant us the
ability to follow it.
And make us see Falsehood to be false and grant us the
ability to reject it.”


O Allah, Thou art the All-Eternal the ever
Existing the Source of every great Bestowals.
And thanks to Thy great mercy and grace
which is the source of everything happening.


This new year we beseech You (O Allah) to accept
our supplication seeking (Your) protection for us
all from satan, and from his allies and from his
armies.


And help us to overcome our commanding Self
(NAFS -AL-AMARAH) which inclines towards evil
and wrong.
Make it (our Self – NAFS) to always be engaged
and busy in matters that will bring us closer to You.


“O Allah! Verily I beg of You for a NAFS (self-soul) that is in
tranquillity with You, a NAFS (a self-soul) that is certain and
believes in meeting with You, (a self-soul that is always) pleased
with whatever You have decreed for me, and satisfied with all that
You have given me.”


O You Who is the Possessor of Honour and Majesty.
O You Who is the Most Merciful of those who show
Mercy.


"Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything we may
have done that transgressed our duty; establish our
feet firmly and help us against those that resist
Faith."


"Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have
forgotten or erred.
Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which
You laid upon those before us.
Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no
ability to bear.
And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us.
You are our protector, so give us victory over the
disbelieving people."


“Our Lord! we believe; then do Thou forgive
us, and have mercy upon us: for Thou art the
Best of those Who show mercy!”


"Our Lord! Grant unto us wives/husbands and
offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes
and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous."


"Our Lord! Bestow on us Mercy from Thyself, and
dispose of our affair for us in the right way! “


“Our Lord! we have wronged our own souls:
if Thou forgive us not and bestow not upon
us Thy Mercy we shall certainly be lost."


"O our Lord! cover (us) with Thy Forgiveness―
me, my parents, and (all) Believers, on the Day
that the Reckoning will be established!"


"Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brethren who
came before us into the Faith and leave not in our
hearts, rancour (or sense of injury) against those
who have believed Our Lord! Thou art indeed Full
of Kindness, Most Merciful.“


“Our Lord! Give us good in this world and
good in the Hereafter and save us from the
torment of the fire!"


And salutations of Allah and Peace be upon our
Leader Muhammad, and upon His household
and Companions .


And all the Praises belongs to Allah,
Lord Sustainer of all the world


All welcome to visit my web-blog:

http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/
http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/
http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/
http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/
http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/
http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/
http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/
http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/

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[Slideshare] akhlaq-course (february 2013-batch) -# 4-about-the-nafs-(16-march-2013)

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