Tazkiyah al-nafs — the purification of the soul — was not a peripheral concern in the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. It was central to his mission. Allah says:
"He it is who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His verses, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom." (Qur'an 62:2)
The following is an excerpt from The Noble Life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) — $52.00, Volume 1 by Dr. 'Ali Muhammad al-Sallaabee, page 276, outlining three of the most important methods the Prophet used to train his Companions in purifying their souls. For another perspective on tazkiyah and the heart, see our post on The Disease and the Cure by Ibn al-Qayyim.
1. Reflecting on the Universe, Allah's Creation, and the Qur'an
The first method was to reflect on the universe, Allah's created beings, and the Qur'an itself — so that the heart could appreciate the Greatness, Almightiness, and Wisdom of Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala.
Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala said:
"Indeed your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then established Himself on the Throne. He makes the day and night overlap in rapid succession. He created the sun, the moon, and the stars — all subjected by His command. The creation and the command belong to Him alone. Blessed is Allah — Lord of all worlds!" (Qur'an 7:54)
2. Contemplating the Comprehensiveness of Allah's Knowledge
The second method was to contemplate the fact that Allah's knowledge encompasses all that exists — the seen and the unseen. Contemplation of this kind fills the soul with awe of Allah's greatness and purifies the heart from doubt and heedlessness.
Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala said:
"With Him are the keys of the unseen — no one knows them except Him. And He knows what is in the land and sea. Not even a leaf falls without His knowledge, nor a grain in the darkness of the earth or anything — green or dry — but is written in a perfect Record." (Qur'an 6:59)
3. Worshipping Allah Alone
The third and most important method was worship — ibadah. Worship is the supreme form of submission, and none deserves to be worshipped except Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.
Allah said:
"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them, but address them in terms of honor." (Qur'an 17:23)
Worship is not merely ritual. It is the lived expression of tawhid — and it is through consistent, sincere worship that the soul is cleansed, elevated, and brought closer to Allah.
About the Book
The Noble Life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) by Dr. 'Ali Muhammad al-Sallaabee is a comprehensive, meticulously researched 3-volume biography of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, available at The Islamic Book Cafe for $52.00. It is an essential addition to any Islamic library.
Baarakallahu feekum — The Islamic Book Cafe | Portland, Oregon
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