Islamic Self Study

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 # 6 (continue)–

“VARIOUS STATES OF THE NAFS”

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF
‘ILM AL-AKHLAQ
“Verily! You (Muhammad) are upon the
most exalted (Khuluq) 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)
)

STORY OF THE ANIMAL
IN THE FARM

HOW IS A PERSON’S “KHULUQ ”
(NATURAL DISPOSITION ) DEVELOPED?

TAUHEEDIC
PARADIGM


ESSENCE OF MAN
IS THE SPIRITUAL (SOUL)

LESSON # 4a –

ABOUT THE ‘NAFS’ (SELF)


LESSON # 4a –

ABOUT THE ‘NAFS’ (SELF)

LESSON # 5 –
MANAGE & CONTROL YOUR POWER OR BE
CONTROLLED BY THEM

BEWARE OF SATAN YOUR AVOWED ENEMY


PREVIOUS LESSON


Concerning this state of the nafs (self), it is stated in the Holy
Qur’an:

“And yet, I am not trying to absolve myself: for, verily, man's inner
self (NAFS -AMMARAH), does incite [him] to evil, and saved are
only they upon whom my Sustainer bestows His grace. Behold, my
Sustainer is much forgiving, a dispenser of grace!“
(Qur’an: Yusuf: 12: 53)


Relationship with the Self

NAFS al-AMMARAH
Initial traits :
(Commanding self)
[1] Appetite,
[2] Emotion still link to needs,
Link to various
[3] curiosity, memory, TIME Quwwah (powers):
[4] imitative, see, listen & do,
[5] application of
[1] shahwiyya
basic sensory feelings
(desires)
[2] ghadabiyya
BODY (anger)
SELF HEART [3] Wahmiyah
(imaginative)
TONGUE [4] ‘aqliyya
DESIRE (thoughts)
MIND

Importance of linguistics to thoughts:

THE WORLD

Relationship with the Self

NAFS al-AMMARAH
Initial traits :
(Commanding self)
[1] Appetite,
[2] Emotion still link to needs,
Link to various
[3] curiosity, memory, TIME Quwwah (powers):
[4] imitative, see, listen & do,
[5] application of
[1] shahwiyya
basic sensory feelings
(desires)
[2] ghadabiyya
BODY (anger)
SELF HEART [3] Wahmiyah
(imaginative)
TONGUE [4] ‘aqliyya
DESIRE (thoughts)
MIND

Importance of linguistics to thoughts:

“He (Allah) has created man: He has imparted
unto him articulate thought and speech.” (Q:55: 3-5)
THE WORLD

“O you who have believed, do not put [yourselves]
before Allah and His Messenger but be conscious and
fear Allah (TAQWALLAAH). Indeed, Allah is Hearing
and Knowing.”
(Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 1)

“HAST THOU ever considered [the kind of man] who
makes his own desires (HAWA) his deity, and whom
Allah has [thereupon] let go astray, knowing [that his
mind is closed to all guidance], and whose hearing and
heart He has sealed, and upon whose sight He has
placed a veil? Who, then, could guide him after Allah
[has abandoned him]? Will you not, then, (TADZAK-
KARUN) bethink your-selves? “
(Qur’an: Jatsiyah: 45: 23)


“ALLURING unto man is the (HUB-BUSH – SHAHAWAAT)
enjoyment of worldly desires through women, and
children, and heaped-up treasures of gold and silver,
and horses of high mark, and cattle, and lands. All this
may be enjoyed in the life of this world (DUN-YAA) - but
the most beauteous of all goals is with Allah. “
(Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 14)


“And nothing is the life of this world (DUN-YAA) but a
play and a passing delight; and the life in the hereafter is
by far the better for all who are conscious of Allah
(YATTAQUUN) Will you not, then, use your reason? ”
(Qur’an: An’am: 6: 32)


“O you who have attained to faith! Respond to the call of
Allah and the Messenger whenever he calls you unto that
which will give you life; and know that Allah intervenes
between man and [the desires of] his heart, and that unto
Him you shall be gathered.”
(Qur’an: Anfal: 8: 24)

“And recite to them, [O Muhammad], the news of him
to whom we gave [knowledge of] Our signs, but he
detached himself from them; so Satan pursued him, and
he became of the deviators.”
(Qur’an: A’raf: 7: 175 )


“And if We had willed, we could have elevated him
thereby, but he adhered [instead] to the earth and
followed his own desire. So his example is like that of
the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him,
he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who
denied Our signs. So relate the stories that perhaps they
will give thought.”
(Qur’an: A’raf: 7: 176 )


“And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who
call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening,
seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass
beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life,
and do not obey one whose heart We have made
heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his
desire (HAWA’) and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.”
(Qur’an: Kahfi: 18: 28)


The Arab (Bedouins) say, "We have believed
(AA-MAN-NA)." Say, "You have not [yet]
believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted
(AS-LAM-NA),' for faith has not yet entered
your hearts. And if you obey Allah and His
Messenger, He will not deprive you from your
deeds of anything. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving
and Merciful.“
(Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 14 )


TASAWWUR ISLAM

LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT
TOWARDS STATE OF MUTTAQEEN
TAQWA God-consciousness or Piety

MUKHLISWEEN
Sincerity
MUHSEEN
Best or righteous conduct

MU’MEEN
Believer
‘ILM – ‘AMAL - MUJAAHADAH
MUSLIM JAAHIL SHIRK ZOLEEM KADZIB ITHM
FAASAD NIFAAQ

Submission
KUFUR-NI’MAH GHAFLAH MUJREEM ISRAAF MUJREEM

All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2012)

”As for those who (JAA-HADU) strive in Us, We
surely guide them to Our paths (SUBUU-LANA), and
lo! Allah is with the good (MUH-SINEEN)”
(Qur’an: Ankabut: 29: 69)


And they will say: "All praise is due to Allah, who has guided
us unto this; for we would certainly not have found the right
path unless Allah had guided us! Indeed, our Sustainer's
Messengers have told us the truth!“
(Qur’an: A’-raf: 7: 43)

TO CONTINUE


Although the dominant state in a person’s “ Nafs” may be the
Commanding Self, Allah s.w.t. has also equipped this “ nafs” to
undergo another state called “Nafs al-law-waa-mah”.

The literal translation of this is “the reproaching self” or “the
accusing self”.

This state usually in some people appears as an after-thought to
an act. Especially when the negative effect of that act becomes
apparent.


Through experience and knowledge, this aspect of the “ Nafs”
serves as the counter to whatever suggestions put forth by the
commanding self; you may equate it to what is called “ conscience”.

Its dominance over the commanding state, marks the beginning
of morality in person.


Thus within us is a battle of sort for dominance between
these two states. Usually because the commanding state has been
dominant, suggestions from our “Nafs al-law-waa-mah” may even at
times be ignored or opposed.

Islam teaches us to always listen to this state, as it is naturally in
agreement with all of its moral teachings and serves as an advocate
within man.

To constantly neglect listening to this state may cause the effect
of its “voice” to be gradually diminished.


When it [i.e. “Nafs al-law-waa-mah”] is completely suppressed in
a person, then “Na’uudzubillah”[we seek refuge in Allah from this]
that person will be completely immoral.

“NAY! I call to witness the Day of Resurrection! But nay! I call
to witness the accusing voice of man's own conscience!”
(Qur’an: Qiyamah: 75: 1-2)


As humans, this innate consciousness in the “ self ” will also
serve as evidence for or against us in the hereafter.

It is quite impossible to deny promptings from within ourselves,
whereas advice from others can simply be rejected, ignored and
forgotten.

Also, we may deceive others into having them believe whatever
we want them to believe about ourselves. But we cannot deceive
our own selves! (only those who are sick and self-deluded perhaps?)


“O ye who believe! (be conscious of and ) fear Allah ( TAQWA)
and let every soul (NAFS) look to what (provision) he has sent
forth for the morrow (hereafter).
Yea, (be conscious of and) fear Allah (TAQWA) : for Allah is
well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. And be ye not like those
who forgot Allah; and He made them forget their own souls!
Such are the rebellious transgressors (FAASIQUN) ! Not equal
are the Companions of the Fire and the Companions of the
Garden: it is the Companions of the Garden, that will achieve
Felicity.”
(Qur’an: Surah al-Hashr: 59: 18-20)


Central to the teaching of Islam is consciousness of the
Oneness of God (TAUHEED). This consciousness then permeates to
teach us to consider our attitude and relationships towards our
Creator, ourselves and others. It should lead to not merely an
awareness but to instil reverential fear of transgression ( TAQWA).

Knowing Who Allah is, necessarily teaches us our place in His vast
kingdom and what our relationship with them should be. Without
consciousness of Allah, due to strong obsession with ourselves,
three (3) “ailments” may accrue in our “Nafs” which impedes us
from the proper relationship with Allah, ourselves and others:


EGO-CENTRICITY LEADS TO VARIOUS
MORTAL SINS IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS:



“By the NAFS (Soul, or self) , and the proportion and
order given to it;
And its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right;―
Truly he succeeds that purifies it,
And he fails that corrupts it!”
(Qur’an: as-Shams: 91: 7-10)



RELATIONSHIP TO HIMSELF

SELF



RELATIONSHIP TO HIMSELF

THE SIN OF SELF-CONCEIT*

SELF

* Vainglorious; self-centred


RELATIONSHIP TOWARDS ALLAH

ALLAH

SELF


RELATIONSHIP TOWARDS ALLAH

ALLAH
THE SIN OF INGRATITUDE*

SELF

* Obstinacy; unyielding



RELATIONSHIP TOWARDS OTHERS

SELF

OTHERS



RELATIONSHIP TOWARDS OTHERS

SELF

THE SIN OF ARROGANCE* OTHERS

* Proud; haughty

“Verily, man's inner self (NAFS - AMMARAH), does incite [him] to
evil, and saved are only they upon whom my Sustainer bestows
His grace (Mercy). Behold, my Sustainer is much forgiving, a
dispenser of grace!“
(Qur’an: Yusuf: 12: 53)


MOST
COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.

“And your Lord says: "Call on (supplicate) Me; I will answer
your (Prayer): But those who are too arrogant to serve Me
will surely find themselves in Hell in humiliation!"

(Qur’an: Ghafir: 40: 60)


AD-DU-’AA – MUKH-KHUL- ‘IBAA - DAA-T

"THE DU’A (SUPPLICATION) IS THE MARROW (ESSENCE)
OF WORSHIP (SERVITUDE TO ALLAH)"-

(HADITH REPORTED BY BUKHARY)


AD-DU-’AA – HU-WAL- ‘IBAA - DAA-T

"THE DU’A (SUPPLICATION) IS THE WORSHIP (SERVITUDE
TO ALLAH)"-

(HADITH REPORTED BY TIRMIDZII AND ABU DAWUD)


Fajr’ Du’a of Imam Habib ‘Abdullah ‘Alwi al-Haddad from :
MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL

#۱

“O Allah! Verily I implore Mercy from You to guide with it, my heart”

ALLAA-HUM-MA - IN-NEE - AS-ALU-KA - RAH-MATAN - MIN- ‘IN-DIK
TAH-DEE - BI-HAA - QAL-BEE
Prepared by © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail(2013)

#۱

“And with it (by Your Mercy), that You straighten (put to order)
my whole affairs for me”
WA – TAJ – MA – ‘U – BI - HAA – SHAM - LEE


#۱

“And with it (by Your Mercy) , that You restore ease
(and peace of mind) to me”

WA– TA– LUM – MU – BI - HAA – SHA – ‘A - TSEE


#۱

“And with it (by Your Mercy) , to return to me my affection
(and the familiar and amicable habits and companionship)”

WA – TA – RUD – DU – BI- HAA – UL – FA - TEE


#۱

“And that You reform for me with it (by Your Mercy) , my entire way of life”

WA – TUSW – LI – HU – BI - HAA – DEE - NEE


#۱

“And that You preserve with it (by Your Mercy) ,
what is hidden in me (or from me) ”
WA – TAH – FA – ZU – BI - HAA – GHAA – I - BEE


#۱

“And that You elevate with it (by Your Mercy) ,
what is manifested from me (or to me) ”
WA – TAR – FA – ‘U – BI – HAA - SHAA– HI- DEE


#۱

“And that You purify and increase me with it (by Your Mercy), all my deeds ”

WA – TUZAK – KEE – BI - HAA – ‘A-MA - LEE


#۱

“And that You illuminate with it (by Your Mercy), my countenance (face) ”

WA – TU– BAI – YI - DWU – BI – HAA – WAJ - HEE


#۱

“And that You inspire me with it (byYour Mercy), my intellect (and) guidance ”

WA – TUL – HI– MU– NEE – BI – HAA – RUSH - DEE


#۱

“And that with it (Your Mercy), You safeguard me from every evil ”

WA – TU’ – SWI –MU –NEE – BI – HAA - MIN – KUL – LI – SUU’


“Be conscious of Allah (TAQWA) wherever you may be,
and follow-up whatever misdeeds you may have
committed (as reparation) by doing (more) righteous
deeds (for these) shall efface them (the negative effect
of these misdeeds), and interact with people in the best
manner of disposition (i.e. adopt a noble character).”

(Hadith reported by Tabrani from Abi Dzar)


“(KHU-DZIL-’AFW) Make due allowance for man's nature (by forgiving
them), and enjoin the doing of what is right (MA’RUF); and (A’-RIDW –’ANIL
– JAA-HI-LEEN) leave alone all those who choose to remain ignorant. And if
it should happen that a prompting from Satan stirs thee up [to blind anger],
seek refuge with Allah: behold, He is all-hearing, all-knowing.”
(Qur’an: A’-raf: 7: 199-200)


“Verily, they who are conscious of and fear Allah (TAQWA) bethink
themselves [of Him – TADZAK-KARU] whenever any dark
suggestion from Satan touches them - whereupon, lo! they begin to
see [things] clearly, even though their [godless] brethren would
[like to] draw them into error: and then they cannot fail [to do what
is right].”
(Qur’an: A’-raf: 7: 201-202)

“Say, [O Muhammad], "Shall we [believers] inform you of
the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? [They are] those
whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they
are doing well in work." Those are the ones who disbelieve
in the verses of their Lord and in [their] meeting Him , so
their deeds have become worthless; and We will not assign
to them on the Day of Resurrection any importance. That is
their recompense - Hell - for what they denied and
[because] they took My signs and My messengers in
ridicule. ”
(Qur’an: Kahfi: 18: 103-106)

Du’a compiled by Sayyidina al-Sheikh Abi Bakr bin Salim rhm.a.

“O Allah ! To You belong all Praises as (expression of our) Thanks,
And Yours are all the favours and Grace ”

“And You are our Lord Sustainer, Truly (without doubt),
And we are but Your slaves - bondsmen, ”


“And You will always be deserving of that
( our worship and servitude)”

“O You Who make easy every difficulty,
O You Who heals every kind of fracture (or things broken)”


“O You Who is Companion to those who are alone,
O You Who is the Enricher of everyone who are in poverty”

“O You Who is the Strengthener of all the weak,
O You Who is the Comforter of all who are frightened”


“Make easy for us every of our difficulties.
For You to ease hardship is indeed easy for You (to do)”

“O Allah! (You) Who need no clarification nor explanation,
We have many needs, and You know them all very well”

“I saw that committing sin kills the (spiritual) heart
And to persist in doing it leads to utter humiliation;
And (on the contrary, striving) to refrain from committing
sins revives the (spiritual) heart;
And to oppose (every forms of) sin is (ultimately) good for your Soul .”
(Imam ‘Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak rahm.)

)

“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! There is none who can withhold
what You send, nor send whatever You withhold


Neither can they guide whom You leave astray
astr
Nor can they lead astray whom You have guided


Neither can they give whatever You deprive,
nor can they deprive to whom You give


Neither (can any) draw closer those whom You cast,
nor (can any) be cast those whom You draw closer


O Allah! Bestow upon us from Your blessings,
and Your mercy, and Your grace and Your
provisions.


O Allah! I ask You for the eternal delight (favours)
that never ends nor fades away.


O Allah! I ask You for provisions (favours)
on the Day of deprivation (Hereafter),
and the safety on the Day of fear (Judgement Day).


O Allah! I seek refuge with You from the evil
repercussions of what You have given us and
from the evil of what You have deprived us of.


"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."


O Allah! Make faith (iiman) dear to us and beautify it in our hearts
and make disbelief (Kufr), sinning (Fusuq) and rebelliousness (`isyan)
hateful to us, and make us among the rightly guided ( Raa-shi-duun).


O Allah! Allow us to die as Muslims, live as Muslims
and join us with the ranks of the righteous ones,
without tasting humiliation or turmoil.


‘And (may Allah send) salutations and prayers upon Muhammad
and upon the household
and companions of Muhammad
(the pure ones of his family and all the loyal followers).


“Glory to thy Lord the Lord, of Honour and Power!
(He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him)!
And Peace on the Messengers!
And praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds.”


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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