Session one notes .
**Tazkiya Nafs*
This is the central concept in Islam. It means self restraint . The opposite is fujoor as Allah mentions in Surah Al-Shams , the Surah in which Allah takes the oath more than any chapter of the Quran.
Tazkiya, refers to the purification of heart and how to get rid of one's spiritual ills .
This enables us to guard ourselves and to refine our soul .
Tazkiya Nafs is a deep and ongoing process of Self-reflection i.e by Recognizing and acknowledging one's flaws and weaknesses.
Seeking Allahs forgiveness by repenting the mistakes and sins of the past. and by not repeating it in future.
To improve ourselves by
Shunning the bad habits like Namima, gossiping , lying and belittling others.And by cultivating positive attributes such as compassion,
humility, and gratitude.
To have a deeper connection with Allah through additional prayers, zikr, salwat remembrance, and contemplation.
To remain patient in the Face of trial and tribulation.For this is the way our sins get washed. Allah wants His slaves to come back to the promised home i.e Jannah. Furthermore these trials are blessings in disguise they help us to maximise our real potential and eventually become a tool of our tarbiyatu Nafs.
We have examples from Prophets life. They were the ones who suffered and tested the most . As Allah says in the Qur'an 'indeed after every difficulty there is ease'.
We need not to get disappointed and depressed when we encounter any of the tests. But remember Allah as He says I'm the Qur'an .
Wastaeenoo bissabre wassalat
Indeed Allah is with the patient's '
The ultimate goal of Tazkiya Nafs is to attain a state of spiritual purity, where one's thoughts, feelings, and actions are aligned with the values and principles of Islam.
Tazkiya Nafs is a lifelong journey, requiring effort, dedication, and patience. It leads to self-awareness, spiritual growth, and closeness to Allah.
May we all be able to attain such level of purification of soul .
Ameen.
