Types of Souls in the Quran
The most prominent Ayah that is always recalled when the subject of reform is discussed is mentioned in Surah Ar-Ra‘d, Ayah 11: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ). Self-knowledge is critical to any change. If you are seeking to change and reform the soul, you need to know more about how the whole process of reform takes place and what types of souls human beings experience. Allah leaves no question that a person may wonder about without answering it. Allah, the Almighty, mentions three types of souls in the Quran: the soul that incites evil, the reproachful soul, and the tranquil soul. These are, respectively: Al-Nafs Al-Amāra, Al-Nafs Al-Lawwāma, and Al-Nafs Al-Muṭmaʾinna.
The three nafs (souls) in the Quran
the nafs that incites evil
al-nafs al-āmāra
It is mentioned directly and clearly in Surah Yusuf, Ayah 53: “Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy.” From this Ayah, we can understand that this is the nature of the Nafs (soul). It has an overpowering influence over a person, as it commands evil and tells us what to do. When it desires something, it tells a Muslim to pursue it without paying attention to any boundaries or prohibitions. It sins without delay and makes plans to achieve its goals. It commands a Muslim to engage in all kinds of evil thoughts, feelings, and actions. It tends towards the primitive nature of man, guiding a Muslim towards lusts, losses, and the pursuit of desires. If a Muslim follows it, it will undoubtedly lead him to his doom and destruction. He may do whatever he desires, but the consequences of his actions will destroy his life and the lives of those around him.
the reproachful soul
Al-Nafs Al-Lawwāma
It reproaches both good and evil and drifts between what is right and wrong. It fights not to fall; sometimes it succeeds, while at other times it falls. It regrets what it has missed and reproaches itself for missing it. When it sins, it repents. It recalls Allah’s pleasure and displeasure. It remembers the Hereafter and the Day of Judgment, and what Allah has prepared there: Jannah and Hellfire.
Once the soul commands something, you will hear an inner voice warning you of the consequences of this action. And if it calls you to do good, it encourages you to do it and shows you its advantages and fruits. Allah mentions this Nafs in Surah Al-Qiyamah, Ayah 2: “And I swear by the self-reproaching soul” (وَلَآ أُقۡسِمُ بِٱلنَّفۡسِ ٱللَّوَّامَةِ).
This type of soul is good, as it returns to Allah and asks for His Forgiveness and Mercy. It never challenges the divine decree concerning good and evil.
The serene soul
Nafs al-Mutma’innah
Allah mentions this soul and says about it ”O rightous soul, return to your Lord well-pleased, well-pleasing” (يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ. ارْجِعِي إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً). It may refer to two ways of calling this soul in this way that it is content with Allah’s commands and that it follows Allah’s commands in life. It believes that Allah is its Lord, and found peace in the path of Allah because of its faithfulness. It fears and loves Allah, asks His Forgiveness and works practically to show its love to Allah. It goes through daily conflicts to disobey Allah, even in the most difficult moments, it repents and attempts to make up for this sin.
In summary, The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: The one who strives in jihad is he who strives against his ego. (Sahih). Throughout your life, you need to fight and challenge your desires. Assigning the purposes of your life is what protects you from being lost. We were created to worship Allah, and Allah said this fight won’t be easy but Allah promised that whoever fights Allah will be with him. Your soul will never stop pushing you towards evil and you in return should not let it lead you. Allah gave us our provisions for this journey which is Quran, Zikr, Dua, Saddaqah, and prayer. Flee to Allah and tell him your weakness and exhaustion, ask His help and support. Know that we are not good because we are strong but we are strong because of Allah.
