How Does Our Nafs Deceive Us?

■ How Does Our Nafs Deceive Us?

Our nafs (ego/self) deceives us in various ways. The Holy Qur’an describes the Nafs-e-Ammarah as the part of the self that commands evil. Within our existence, from the navel to the head, the nafs holds dominion. Even the five spiritual centers (lata’if) within us are in opposition to it. For instance, the spiritual center of Ana (ego) in the head remains under its influence.

According to the Holy Qur’an, the Sirat al-Mustaqeem (Straight Path) refers to the entry of Allah’s ﷻ light (Noor) into the heart (qalb). When this light enters the heart, it is a sign of true faith (Eman). In some people, the remembrance of Allah ﷻ (dhikr) begins in their hearts. For others, not only does dhikr occur, but the name of Allah ﷻ is also engraved upon their hearts. The Qur’an refers to such individuals as “special believers” whose hearts are imprinted with faith by Allah ﷻ.

In the spiritual journey (suluk), the ultimate goal is to attain closeness to Allah ﷻ, and dhikr qalbi (remembrance of Allah in the heart) is its starting point in Tariqah. However, this is only the beginning of a much longer journey. The nafs constantly tries to distract us with various issues. For instance, anger and ego are direct influences of the nafs.

If you feel that your anger is due to the intensity of dhikr, then recite Darood Sharif (Salawat). The beauty (jamal) in Darood Sharif has a calming effect, cooling the fire of anger. Once the Noor enters the heart, the person becomes noticed by Allah ﷻ, and there is no longer any danger. This is because dhikr qalbi cannot begin without the will of Allah ﷻ. If it has started, then it means Allah’s ﷻ approval is with you. And when Allah ﷻ is with you, there is no need to fear.

Muhammad Farhan Jamil 1.1.25