What is the Waiting of the Nafs?

■ What is the Waiting of the Nafs?

The concept of “Nafs Intizaar” (the waiting of the self) refers to the state where a person longs for something they do not possess, leading to inner restlessness and discomfort. This waiting is seen as a dangerous condition in the teachings of Tasawwuf (spirituality), as it reflects the nafs (lower self)’s desires overtaking a person’s peace and reliance on Allah ﷻ.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is reported to have made a profound supplication:

❝O Allah, save me from the nafs that waits. If it attains what it desires, let there be no blessing in it.❞

This highlights the severity of the matter: if the nafs begins to wait and long for something, even achieving it brings no barakah (blessings).

An illuminating story shared in the teachings of Sayyedi Shaykh-ul-Islam Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri (حفظہ اللہ) emphasizes this concept:

A murid (disciple) brought food to his murshid (spiritual guide). Before the food arrived, the murshid had a fleeting thought, anticipating that the disciple would bring food, as he usually did. Realizing that his nafs had started to “wait” for the food, the murshid immediately refused to eat it. This action reflects the strict discipline in Tasawwuf to prevent the nafs from taking control.

Despite the refusal, the murid, being an understanding and spiritually aware disciple, returned later with the food. This time, the murid explained,

❝Earlier, your nafs anticipated the food, which is why you refused it. Now, there is no waiting of the nafs, so please eat.❞

The murshid, recognizing the wisdom and sincerity of the murid, accepted the food.

The story highlights an important point about the spiritual journey. In earlier times, both the murshid and the murid deeply understood the subtleties of spiritual states. Today’s murids, however, often lack this awareness. Many focus solely on recitations or outward practices, neglecting the deeper spiritual refinement and connection with their murshid’s states and teachings.

This lack of understanding has led to a decline in the effectiveness of Tasawwuf. The murid must not only perform outward practices but also understand the inner dimensions of spirituality. Without this, the beauty and depth of Tasawwuf are lost.

The lesson of “Nafs waiting” teaches us to free ourselves from unnecessary desires and to remain content and connected with Allah ﷻ in every state. It reminds us to discipline our inner self and to value the essence of spiritual teachings over mere rituals.

● FJ 1.12.24