Self-purification is the process of cleansing the heart and soul from undesirable traits and adorning them with good morals and closeness to Allah, the Almighty. It is one of the matters that Islam has encouraged in many places in the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, where Allah, the Exalted, said:
"Indeed, he succeeds who purifies it, and indeed, he fails who instills it [with corruption]." (Ash-Shams: 9-10).
This verse clearly indicates that true success and eternal happiness are contingent upon the purification of the self.
In this article, we will discuss the meaning of self-purification, its importance, means of achieving it, and signs of its success in a Muslim's life.
The concept of self-purification
Self-purification is derived from the word "zaka," which means growth and purity. In legal terminology, self-purification refers to the process of cleansing the heart from blameworthy traits such as arrogance, envy, and anger, and nurturing it with commendable traits like humility, patience, and mercy. It also includes the cultivation of a person in worship and good deeds that bring them closer to Allah, the Exalted.
Self-purification is not just a theoretical concept; it is a continuous process that requires effort and determination from a Muslim to monitor and correct themselves according to the teachings of Islam, in order to elevate themselves spiritually and morally, and to draw closer to Allah, the Exalted.
The importance of self-purification in a Muslim's life
Self-purification is not just an option; it is a necessity for achieving Allah's pleasure and success in this world and the Hereafter. Its importance lies in several aspects, including:
The cause of true success and happiness: As stated in His saying, "Indeed, he succeeds who purifies it," success is achieved by those who purify themselves and work on cleansing their souls. Purification leads to peace of mind, tranquility of heart, and serenity of the soul, and it brings one to a stage of contentment and satisfaction, allowing one to live a reassuring life away from psychological disturbances, which makes a person happy in this world and the Hereafter.
Strengthening the relationship with Allah, the Almighty: Purification means getting rid of sins and transgressions, which brings a person closer to Allah and fills their heart with faith. Additionally, purification encourages a Muslim to be sincere in their worship and to avoid hypocrisy and pretense. Thus, it helps the Muslim achieve true servitude to Allah, where their heart becomes free from attachment to anything other than Allah, and they worship Allah sincerely.
Improving morals and interactions with people: A Muslim who purifies themselves is more honest, trustworthy, and gentle with others, gaining the love and respect of people. When a Muslim purifies themselves, they become more in control of their emotions and actions, which positively reflects on their relationships with others. Forgiveness, patience, and compassion are the results of self-purification, and these are essential for building a cohesive and cooperative community. Purification also keeps a person away from envy, arrogance, and hatred.
Prevention of temptations and deviations: The unrefined soul is susceptible to deviation and falling into desires and sins, while the refined soul is fortified by faith. In our current era, the human soul is exposed to many temptations and moral deviations. However, the purification of the soul acts as a fortress that protects the Muslim from falling into vices and sins, and helps in controlling desires, directing them towards what pleases God.
Achieving success in all areas of life: A person who purifies their soul is more disciplined and serious in their work, which enables them to achieve success whether in studies, work, or family life. Additionally, purification makes a person more patient and resilient in the face of difficulties, helping them to overcome obstacles.
Spiritual elevation: The purification of the soul helps the Muslim to elevate spiritually, as they feel closer to God Almighty and become more inclined towards acts of obedience and worship.
Means of Purifying the Soul
There are many means that help a Muslim to purify themselves, including:
Repentance and seeking forgiveness: Sincere repentance and returning to Allah are among the most important steps of purification, as they cleanse the heart and bring a person back to the right path. It is the first step on the path of self-purification; a Muslim who falls into sin must return to Allah with sincere repentance and renew their intention not to return to the sin. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "O people, repent to Allah, for I repent to Him a hundred times a day" (Narrated by Muslim).
Piety and vigilance: Piety is the foundation of self-purification, as the Muslim knows that Allah is watching them at every moment, so they strive to do good and avoid evil.
Sincerity to Allah in actions: True purification occurs when the aim of actions is to seek Allah's pleasure, not for show or reputation. Allah, the Exalted, said: "And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion" (Al-Bayyina: 5).
Perseverance in worship and obedience: prayer, fasting, reading the Quran, and remembrance; all these actions help purify the soul and strengthen faith. They are very effective means, as prayer prevents immorality and wrongdoing, and fasting trains the soul in patience and endurance. Allah Almighty said: "Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing" (Al-Ankabut: 45).
Staying away from sins and prohibitions: Avoiding prohibitions purifies the heart and brings a person closer to Allah. A Muslim should also be cautious of minor sins, as their accumulation may corrupt the heart.
Keeping company with the righteous and avoiding bad companions: Good companionship aids in goodness and reminds one of Allah, while bad companionship leads to deviation. Good companionship has a significant impact on purifying the soul. A Muslim who associates with the righteous is influenced by their morals and actions, which helps him improve himself. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "A person is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he takes as a close friend" (Narrated by Tirmidhi).
Kindness to people and humility: Humility, mercy, and helping others are all virtues that enhance the purification of the soul. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people" (Narrated by Al-Tabarani).
Patience and self-struggle: The purification of the soul requires struggle and patience, as a person by nature tends toward desires and comfort. Allah, the Almighty, said: "And those who strive for Us, We will surely guide them to Our ways" (Surah Al-Ankabut: 69).
Reading the Quran and reflecting upon it: The Quran is the greatest means of purifying the soul, as Allah, the Almighty, said: "And We send down from the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers" (Surah Al-Isra: 82). Reading the Quran with reflection helps a Muslim to purify their heart and increase their faith.
Contemplating the creation of Allah: Reflecting on the greatness of creation leads a Muslim to fear Allah and increases their faith, contributing to the purification of the soul.
Self-Accountability: The successful Muslim is the one who holds himself accountable daily for his actions and words, and strives to correct his mistakes and develop himself.
Challenges Facing Self-Purification
Desires and Temptations: In our current era, the self is exposed to many temptations that make it difficult for it to purify itself. Media and social media can be a source of moral corruption if not used wisely.
Neglecting God: Being preoccupied with worldly matters and its pleasures may lead to a Muslim's neglect of God, which hinders the process of self-purification.
Weak Willpower: Some Muslims may know the right path, but they lack the strong will to purify themselves, which causes them to fall into sins.
Signs of Successful Self-Purification
When a Muslim reaches an advanced stage of self-purification, they notice some signs that indicate their success, such as:
A sense of comfort and reassurance: The heart becomes more tranquil, and worries and anxieties resulting from sins and transgressions decrease.
Sincere love for Allah and His Messenger: The love for Allah and His Messenger becomes paramount, and the person strives to follow His Sunnah.
Humility and gentleness towards others: The purified person is humble, free from arrogance and pride.
Easily staying away from sins: Sins become distasteful to the soul, and it becomes easy to avoid them without significant struggle.
Being affected by sermons and the Holy Quran: The heart becomes softer and more affected by the Quran and sermons, indicating its purity.
Self-purification is a continuous process that requires patience and struggle, but in the end, it leads to happiness in this world and the Hereafter. A Muslim who is keen on purifying himself has achieved the ultimate goal of his existence, which is the worship of Allah Almighty and His pleasure. Let us all strive for self-purification and seek Allah's help on this path, for He says: "And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out * And will provide for him from where he does not expect" (Surah At-Talaq: 2-3).
Self-purification is one of the most important matters that a Muslim should strive for in his life, as it is the path to true success and happiness. Through sincerity in actions, avoiding sins, and being diligent in worship, a person can achieve self-purification. We ask Allah to make us among those who have purified themselves and have been granted His pleasure in this world and the Hereafter.
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