“Hawa Al Nafs” The Desires of the Ego. Also known as the Hidden Lust.

A Man’s animal nature, comprised of bodily functions and egoistic desires, is known as the Nafs. There are two kinds of people, one are those whose Nafs have overcome them and led them to ruin because they surrendered to them. This caused them to have traits like greed, lust, narrow-mindedness and impotence.

The other kinds are those who have overcome their Nafs and made them obey their commands. This causes them to attain traits like chastity (haya), patience, generosity and commitment.

Some scholars have categorized the Nafs up to 7 stages:

1. Nafs Al-Ammara Bissu’ (The Soul Which Commands)
2. Nafs Al-Lawwama (The Soul that Blames, the Reproaching Soul)
3. Nafs Al-Mulhamah (The Inspired Self)
4. Nafs Al-Mutma’inna (The Soul at Peace)
5. Nafs Al-Radhiyah (The Content Self)
6. Nafs Al-Mardhiyah (The Gratified Self)
7. Nafs Al-Kamila (The Complete Self)

The process of growth depends on working through these levels by surrendering to Allah and following the teachings of the Holy Prophet