Irfan (Volume - 2) / IRFAAN-2

In short, all kinds of thoughts and reflections concerning Allah Almighty are not free of the Khatraat. Hence

Think in His signs and think not about His person (Essence).

Nafs also implies essence and soul and sometimes also heart (mind):

Thus Yousaf kept it secret in his soul (12:77)

Allah Almighty says: And Moses convinced a fear in his mind (20:67)

Sometimes Nafs means a person.

Allah tasks not a soul beyond its scope (2:286)

These are just common outward meanings of the word 'Nafs' which are understood by every person. However, the word 'Nafs' has been used in its real and Inwardly meanings at some places in the Noble Quran of which there are different Degrees and Levels near the honorable Sufis:

1.                              The Nafs-e-Ammara

2. The Nafs-e-Lawwama
3. The Nafs-e-Mulhimma
4. The Nafs-e-Mutmainna

Each Nafs has been respectively mentioned in the following verses:

1. I do not exculpate myself. Lo! The (tempter) soul (that is, the Nafs-e-Ammara) enjoins unto evil (12:53)

The Nafs-e-Ammara has been mentioned in this verse.

2. The Nafs-e-Lawwama has been mentioned in this verse.

Allah Almighty says: Nay, I swear by the Day of Resurrection; Nay, I swear by the accusing soul (the Nafs-e-Lawwama) (that this Scripture is true) (75:1-2)

Thus, the Nafs-e-Ammara is one degree superior to the Nafs-e-Ammara and it believes in the Day of Decision and this Nafs browbeats the person by whom it is possessed. However, the one with Nafs-e-Ammara does not believe in the Punishment and Reward and does not feel regrets and shame after committing a sin. On the other hand, if the bearer of Nafs-e-Lawwama has committed a sin, its Nafs regrets over this and shows him the sides of fear and reproof.

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3. On the third degree comes the Nafs-e-Mulhimma, that is, the Nafs of the one who has the ability of Ilhaam.

Allah Almighty says: And a soul (Nafs-e-Mulhimma) and Him who perfected it. And inspired it (with conscience of) what is wrong for it and (what is) right for it. He is indeed successful who causes it to grow. And he is indeed a failure who instills it (with corruption) (91:7-8-9-10)

Here, the caliber of the Nafs-e-Mulhimma has been described.

4. Nafs-e-Mutmainna, which is of fourth degree, has been mentioned in this verse:

Allah Almighty says: But ah! O you soul at peace (Nafs-e-Mutmainna)! Return unto your Lord, content in His good pleasure! Enter you among My bondmen! Enter you in My garden! (89:27-27-28-29-30)

In this verse, a subtle Nukta is important to note that no human being can enter the Paradise save him who had joined the special chosen bondmen of Allah Almighty. One's entry in the group of the chosen slaves of Allah Almighty and his companionship with them is a prerequisite for entry in the Eden. Some jealous and arrogant persons, in order to stop people to sit with and follow the Holy Prophets Alaihimus-Salaam and the Aulia Rahmatu-Allah Ta'ala Alaihim, devise different kinds of excuses and tricks and say this to stop them entering into the company of these sacred companions: the Prophets Alaihimus-Salaam and Aulia Rahmatu-Allah Ta'ala Alaihim, no matter, how much are pure, yet they are naught and nil as compared to Allah Almighty. Allah Almighty is Sufficient to the human being in every affair. Nevertheless, such persons, who say this, are neither of Allah nor of the friends of Allah. They, who are friends of Allah, they would also be the friends of the Aulia of Allah, that is, the Holy Prophets Alaihimus-Salaam and Aulia Rahmatu-Allah Ta'ala Alaihim. Further, those, who are adversaries and enemies of the Friends of Allah, they would also be the enemies of Allah because the friend of the Friend is also the friend of the human beings and the enemy and foe of the Friend uses to be the enemy of the human being!