The focus of days 17 & 18 of this series was nafs al-amarah, or the soul of low desires. We now move from the lowest level of the soul into the middle, or second, level. It is called nafs al-lawammah, or the soul that criticizes itself and is aware of its own behavior.
A believer who's soul is in the state of nafs al-lawammah will feel shameful and guilty when it commits sin or does bad deeds. Due to having an upright conscience, the believer will become so uncomfortable with their wrong-doing that feelings of sincere regret and remorse will set in. The pressing weight of these feelings will lead the person to fight against that sin or bad deed. They will fight this vital internal battle in order to improve their behavior and move away from a space of wrong-doing into a more comfortable space of obedience.
Due to the imperfect nature of human beings, this type of internal battle is never quite finished. This believer is so courageous, resilient and relentless that they persist in the struggle to better themselves. Even if they make mistakes. Even when they falter. Still, they refuse to give up. The believer keeps trying and keeps trying and keeps trying while never losing hope in receiving the mercy, forgiveness, and help of Allah (swt).
Chapter 75 of the Holy Qur'an is titled Al-Qiyaamah, or The Resurrection opens with:
"No! I swear by the Day of Resurrection. And no! I swear by nafs al-lawwamah (the self-criticizing soul)."
Qur'an 75:1-2
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May Allah continuously guide us, lovingly correct us when we're wrong, and tenderly teach us what we've yet to learn. May we be persistent in fighting against what is wrong, courageous in aligning with what is right, and wise enough to know the difference between the two.
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