The Essence of Tazkiyah

Tazkiyah (تزكية) — also known as Tazkiyat al‑Nafs or “purification of the soul” — means self-purification, growth, and spiritual elevation. In the Islamic tradition, it refers to the systematic process of cleansing the soul from sins, arrogance, envy, and heedlessness while nurturing sincerity, patience, humility, and awareness of Allah.

This practice is sometimes referred to as Tasawwuf and is deeply rooted in Qur’an and Sunnah.

Rooted in Revelation

The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes the importance of purifying the soul:

"He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who corrupts it." — Qur’an 91:9–10

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent with the mission to purify hearts as well as teach scripture:

"...He purifies them and teaches them the Book and wisdom..." — Qur’an 62:2

The Three Levels of the Nafs

One of the key focuses of Tazkiyah is transforming the nafs — the self. The nafs has stages:

• An-Nafs al-Ammārah – The commanding self that urges evil and desires without restraint.
• An-Nafs al-Lawwāmah – The self-reproaching soul, aware of its faults and prone to repentance.
• An-Nafs al-Muṭma’innah – The tranquil soul, at peace through trust and submission to Allah.

Tazkiyah is the process of ascending from nafs al-ammārah to nafs al-muṭma’innah, aligning the soul with the spirit (rūḥ), and allowing the heart to become a qalb salīm.

From Nafs to Qalb Salīm

When the soul becomes purified and the heart is no longer dominated by ego or desire, it reaches the state of qalb salīm — a sound heart. This is the ultimate goal of every spiritual seeker.

"The Day when neither wealth nor children will benefit [anyone], except one who comes to Allah with a sound heart." — Qur’an 26:88–89

Principles and Tools of Tazkiyah

Tazkiyah involves consistent effort using both knowledge and action. Key tools include:

• Ilm (Knowledge): Learning what purifies the heart and what pollutes it
• Mujāhadah (Struggle): Fighting against the lower self and worldly temptations
• Muhāsabah (Self-reflection): Regularly assessing one's actions and intentions
• Tawbah (Repentance): Returning to Allah sincerely after any slip
• Dhikr (Remembrance): Keeping the heart alive with the mention of Allah
• Suhbah (Righteous company): Surrounding oneself with those who remind you of Allah

Why Tazkiyah Is Urgent

We live in a world of distractions, spiritual diseases, and subtle temptations. Without Tazkiyah, our hearts harden, our intentions become corrupted, and we drift from Allah even while appearing religious outwardly.

Tazkiyah revives sincerity. It re-centers your heart on your Creator. It frees you from ego and guides you to true peace — not temporary comfort, but lasting tranquility rooted in the nearness of Allah.

And Finally, A Reminder

To elevate yourself to the level of an-nafs al-muṭma’innah and win the spiritual struggle, you must know three things: Allah ﷻ, your own nafs, and Shayṭān.

By disciplining the self, staying alert to Shayṭān’s deceptions, asking Allah for guidance and protection, and placing your full trust in Him — you may, by His mercy, reach the state of qalb salīm (a sound, purified heart).

In doing so, you not only draw nearer to Allah — you become a better human being: grounded, humble, and spiritually alive.