Uyubu’n-Nafs wa Mudaawatuha

(The Blameworthy Flaws of the Nafs and Their Treatment)

Abu Abdurrahman Muhammad As-Sulami (quddisa sirruhu)

Dwelling on the Imperfections of Others:

Flaw: One of the flaws of the nafs is to become preoccupied with the faults of others while neglecting one's own.

Remedy: The cure for this flaw lies in the individual recognizing their own imperfections and understanding their own faults and the tricks of their nafs. Furthermore, it involves embarking on journeys for the sake of Allah, distancing oneself from evil deeds and ill-natured individuals, nurturing affection for the righteous, and heeding their advice.

The least one can do to rid oneself of this flaw is as follows: If a person is not striving to rectify their faults, at the very least, they should refrain from occupying oneself with the faults of others and exposing them. They should cover up their shortcomings and hope for Allah to conceal their own. Indeed, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal their faults on the Day of Judgment. But whoever exposes a Muslim's faults, Allah will expose their faults, even if they were in the privacy of their own home." (Ibn Majah, Hudud, 5)

Zazen Medayini (rahmatullahi alayh) has remarked: "I have seen communities so flawed that they did not concern themselves with the faults and shortcomings of others. Therefore, Allah concealed their shortcomings, and over time, these shortcomings vanished. I have also seen communities without such flaws, yet they busied themselves with the faults of others. Consequently, their own flaws became apparent."

Neglecting the Inner Self While Adorning the Outer Self

Flaw: Another flaw of the nafs is neglecting the inner self and focusing on adorning the outer self. It entails pretending to be obedient to Allah, even when one does not truly submit to Him, and appearing pious even when the heart is not at peace.

Remedy: To rectify this flaw, one should focus on one’s actions, safeguard one’s inner secrets, and work on rectifying one’s deficiencies. Thus, the inner self becomes naturally adorned without the need for superficial embellishment. Such individuals become honorable and strong even without someone to support them. As it has been said, "Whoever rectifies their inner self, Allah will rectify their outer self." (Kuzai, Musnad al-Shihab, 1/360, 614-615)

Expecting Recompense for Deeds:

Flaw: Another flaw of the nafs is expecting recompense for one's deeds and worship.

Remedy: The individual should realize the imperfection of their deeds and the lack of ikhlas (sincerity) in them. Indeed, a wise person does not expect or seek reward for their actions; they avoid this expectation. They do not anticipate any specific worldly or Hereafter rewards for themselves, knowing that whatever has been ordained for them will inevitably come to pass. Only ikhlas can save them from nurturing such an expectation.

Not Finding Pleasure in Worship

Flaw: Another flaw of the nafs is not finding pleasure in acts of worship. This is often due to the spiritual illness of the heart, preventing it from fulfilling its essential duties.

Remedy: Consuming halal sustenance, constantly remembering Allah, remaining vigilant, serving the righteous, and drawing closer to them are some remedies. Additionally, the individual should beseech Allah to alleviate the darkness of spiritual ailments and rectify their heart. By doing so, when they remember Allah, they will feel the sweetness of obedience and worship.

Sloth

Flaw: Another fault of the nafs is sloth, which is the legacy of satiety. When the nafs is satiated, it gains strength, and with strength comes pleasure. As pleasure emerges, the nafs gains control over the heart.

Remedy: The remedy for this flaw is to keep the nafs hungry. When the nafs is deprived of satiety, its pleasure weakens and diminishes. In this way, the heart gains dominance over the nafs. When the heart prevails over the nafs, it motivates the servant towards worship and eliminates laziness. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) once said, "The son of Adam has never filled a vessel worse than his stomach. A few morsels that keep his back straight are sufficient for him. If he must eat more, then let it be one-third for food, one-third for drink, and one-third for air." (Tirmidhi, Zuhd, 47)

Arrogantly Desiring Leadership Due to Acquired Knowledge

Flaw: Another fault of the nafs is desiring leadership because of priding oneself on one's acquired knowledge. It involves seeking to lead or be seen as a leader because of one's knowledge, swelling with arrogance, and looking down upon others.

Remedy: Firstly, the individual should realize that the blessings and favors they possess are from Allah. They should also recognize their deficiency in gratitude for the knowledge and wisdom bestowed upon them by Allah. Furthermore, practicing humility, being humble, showing compassion to others, and behaving sincerely are all aspects of this remedy. The Messenger of Allah once said, "Whoever seeks knowledge to compete with the scholars, argue with the others, or gain the admiration of the people, will have a place in Hellfire." (Darimi, Sunan, 1/116, no. 374)

Hence, one of the righteous predecessors said, "Whoever increases their knowledge should also increase their fear (of Allah), respect, and piety towards Allah." Allah says, "Only those of His slaves fear Allah who are knowledgeable." (Fatir, 28)

Speaking Excessively

Flaw: Yet another fault of the nafs is excessive talking. Verbosity can arise from two sources: a desire for people to witness one's knowledge and eloquence with the underlying purpose of seeking positions of leadership or from having limited knowledge about the topic being discussed.

Remedy: Firstly, one should recognize that every word they utter is recorded, and unnecessary speech will be held against them. Allah says:

• “And indeed, [appointed] over you watchers, who are noble, writers (of the deeds). They know whatever you do.” (Al-Infitar, 10-12)
• "Not a single word is uttered by one but there is a watcher near him, ready (to record)." (Qaf, 18) 

In this regard, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) advised, "Except for commanding good and forbidding evil and remembering Allah, all other words of the son of Adam are against him." (Tirmidhi, Zuhd, 62)

Abdullah Suat Demirtaş