Tehzeeb is a process through which a person continually improves on his/her morals or dispositions. Ikhlaq is an Arabic term that encompasses a variety of concepts, including ethics, morality, virtue, attitude, character, etc. Islam has a full-fledged tradition known as the Ikhlaq tradition, which places emphasis on obtaining a virtuous soul that is completely at peace. Hence, Tehzeeb e Ikhlaq is a remarkable concept that is best translated as The Correction of Dispositions. Correction might be replaced with refinement since correction does not reflect the core of how phases of development/progress are regarded.

The concept of Tehzeeb e Ikhlaq in science is known as homeostasis which has become the central unifying concept of physiology and is defined as organisms that can retain internal stability while making adjustments to changing environmental conditions through a self-regulating process by bringing the natural faculties in a state of balance. It alters internal faculties in order to survive from the external challenges.

The three basic faculties in the human condition are:

1. Anger
2. Desires
3. Intelligence

Conclusion:

Tehzeeb e Ikhlaq concept is the pursuit of achieving excellent character and morals. It is here an individual learns to know themselves and the importance to surrender. Attaining excess in the basic human faculties will lead to destruction as Allah says, “Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children – like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.”

Tehzeeb e Ikhlaq concept shows us that we are full of arrogance and we must remember Allah created everything, he created something out of nothing. Since we are created creatures, we have no reason for pride. In order to achieve a balance one must enter into the reality of nothingness. “There is no God but Allah”

Aamina-Syed Gufran-Zikhr Qadri Naqshbandi