The Qur’anic Approach to Self Purififaction (Tazkiyah e Nafs): A Research Based Study

Dr. Hafiz Atif Iqbal; Dr. Muhammad Akram Hureri; Abdur Rehman; Qari Awais Idrees Al-Asim

Dr. Hafiz Atif Iqbal Assistant Prof of Islamic Studies at Govt. Islamia Graduate College, Railway Road, Lahore & Ex Research Associate at University of Malaya, Malaysia
Dr. Muhammad Akram Hureri Faculty at PWWF, Lahore, Visiting Faculty KIU & Ex: Research Associate University of Malaya, Malaysia
Abdur Rehman Mudeer ul Taleem Islamic Studies Riphah Int. University Islamabad
Qari Awais Idrees Al-Asim Teacher at Al Madrasa tul Alia Tajveed ul Quran Shairanwala gate Lahore

Abstract

'Tazkiyah' is a word from Arabic expressing the development and purification of anything to the extent of perfection. As a metaphor from the Qur'an, it explains how to get rid oneself of bad habits and dispositions, as well as how to become pious and help our souls grow into being as perfect as is humanly possible. In other words, the primary objective of tazkiyah is for man to purify himself in order to get ready for his return to his "original home" and "final dwelling," Paradise. The Quran contains revelations from Allah Ta'ala: "By the soul and the proportion and order provided to it; and its enlightenment as to its wrong and good; indeed, he succeeds who cleanses it and fails who corrupts it!" [Quran 91:7-10]. The purification (tazkiyah) of 'Nafs' in regard to God Almighty and the universe is the central tenet of Islam. One of the most essential responsibilities of the Holy Prophet (SAW) as stated in the Glorious Quran is to cleanse people from spiritual diseases and moral bankruptcy. "We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our signs, purifying you, and instructing you in Scripture and Wisdom and profound knowledge," (Baqarah, 2:151). The spiritual sustenance that the soul needs to maintain and strengthen the attributes that are innately divine is provided. Three types of guidance for the purification of the human soul are described by the Holy Qur'an. 1. The believers are purified by Allah Almighty. 2. The Prophets are tasked by Almighty Allah with purging the believers. 3. Instructions are given to the followers by Allah Almighty on how to cleanse themselves by doing what Allah says. So that his followers to gain prosperity both here on earth and in the hereafter, and to become his chosen servants by virtue of their kindness, fear of God, and moral qualities. In actuality, this teaching is the Holy Quran's "Tazkiyah Nafs" methodology. This article will describe the selected verses from the Holy Quran to illustrate all of Allah's instructions, methods, and strategies for self-purification.

Keywords: Tazkiyah; Metaphor; Bankruptcy; Innately; Self-purification