All praises and thanks are due to Allaah, the Most Glorious, the Most High; peace and blessings be upon our beloved rasulAllaah, Muhammad, salAllaahu alayhi wa sallaam, upon his family and upon those who follow the right guidance.
Allah says in the Holy Quran in Surah Ar-Rad, verse 11: “Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change what is in their own selves.”
If we want to see a change in our societies, in our communities, at home, with family and friends or even at work, we have to bear in mind that it all starts within ourselves. It begins right here in our hearts. Many a time we complain about the problems and issues we have here and there regarding the state of our Ummah, our community, and our Islam. Yes Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala tells us that He will protect this religion. The Quran; Islam’s source of knowledge.
“We have, without doubt, sent down the Reminder [i.e., the Quran]; and We will assuredly guard it [from corruption].” – Al-Hijr, verse 9
From Allah it is a guarantee, but we have to do our part and that is making our effort and contribution. Allah will look at that. You will be held accountable for the things you have done in this world! You will not be blamed about the Qadr of Allah, His divine destiny. Things in life happen! And without a doubt you will be thrown things at you right in your face and those things are meant to happen, whether you like it or not. But what matters and what is important is your reaction, your response. Are you going to respond back properly and appropriately? That is the question to ask yourself. We need to do our best inshAllah and that accordingly with Quran and Sunnah as we struggle in this world for Allahs sake.
We are, in other words leaders for mankind and that is an essential role. So that people look at us for good example. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala said in regards to this ummah in chapter 3, verse 110-111: “You are the best people ever raised up for mankind. You enjoin good and forbid evil, and believe in Allah.” With the change of heart comes this responsibility of leadership.
But how do we change our hearts? And how do you change the hearts of people? As I said to begin off you need to change yourself first before anything else. What we have to do is discipline our soul, our nafs. We have to purify it, and clean it. In such a manner that it is always content with Allah no matter the situation. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala says in Surah Fatir, verse 18: “And whoever purifies himself does so for the benefit of his own soul; and to Allah is the final destination.”
Islam came to purify the people, both internally and externally. And just like the body needs cleansing and care, so do the soul. Tazkiyah is the term used for purification and development of the heart. It is through a sound heart or soul that we will enter Jannah. Allah says in Surah Al-A’laa, verse 14:
“He is successful who purifies himself.”
and
“He who returns to Him as believer with righteous deeds, such people will be rewarded with the highest of ranks, Gardens of lasting bliss graced with flowing streams, and there they will stay. Such is the reward of those who purify themselves.” – Taha, verse 75-76
In the Quran Allah mentions the different types of souls that exist so that we may understand what we are dealing with.
- Al-Nafs Al-Ammarah Bi Al-Su’.” (Yusuf, verse 53) The soul which commands, it leads the person to commit evil. It brings in about the destruction of it self, it leads its owner to its own punishment.
- Al-Nafs Al-Lawwamah” (Al-Qiyamah, verse 2) the soul that blames, the nafs most people pocess. We sin and repent. Going back and forth in a continous cycle.
- Al-Nafs Al-Mutma’innah,” (Al-Fajr, verse 26) the soul at peace, it is content with Allah. Desires and passion are calmed down. Ibn Abbas (ra) said it is the tranquil and believing soul.
Moreover Tazkiatun-Nafs, purification of the soul means that we learn how to control evil temptation and desires of our souls. Remove the bad habits and sins, and enjoin good habits and virtues. It also means to learn to develop critical and rational thoughts, the understanding of it so that we may reach a soul that is at peace. The whole process makes us as a better person. That is why Allah made us an example to other people. It is through this transformation and struggle of the soul that uplifts us as human beings and brings out the max fulfillment from the best traits a human can potentially have. So we then become masters of attributes like trust, forgiveness, loyalty, sincerity, brotherhood etc.. This is Islam. It came to change and transform people 180 degree. It revived the dead hearts that did not remember Allah.
The purification of the soul is done through actions like dhikr (remembrance of Allah), devotion and commitment, istighfaar (asking for forgiveness), 5 daily salat, optional ibada like fasting and charity, tawbah (repentance), in contentment with fate from Allah, confident reliance in Allah Subhanah Wa Ta’ala. In others words what you value, prioritize, and aim for should be with the same standards as Islam is. So more specifically to follow the life of Muhammad sallalahu alayhi wassalam. Who else is there that can properly and appropriately worship Allah other than Muhammad (saw). This is someone who Allah approved, of his actions and his words. And if there was something in btw, Allah would reveal a revelation concerning a matter and he would be guided to make the correct decision. When we try to emulate the noble, Prophet Muhammad (saw), barakah will begin to flow into our lives inshAllah. For he is the man most loved by Allah. Period.
In essence, the cleansing of the soul comes with closely following the Seerah of the Prophet (saw). We have to come to understand that it is necessary first for self purification before wanting change in a society, at home, or anywhere else. Without Tazkiatun Nafs, we cannot achieve goals we have in mind.
Once you have started with the process of Tazkiya you can truly change the hearts of people around you. You objectives in life, your mission, your goal is now with accordance to the message of Islam. You become a real ambassador for Allah on this earth, to spread his message and invite people back to the Deen of Allah. As a consequence you are like a leader, taking care of your people and being responsible for them. This changes the way you see things, your approach, your mindset, and your worldview. With the ongoing problem we see around us here in this country and internationally, we have to do our best in our locality and our proximity to bring in change, and if everyone around the world did the same with their locality and surroundings, then the state of the Ummah will not be like it is today. This is the purification of the heart and soul.
Our hearts must unite, we need to work together. We need to have correct knowledge. May Allah, the Most-Kind and Most-Genoros, give us the understanding of Quran and Sunnah. We as well need to work together, bear patience, make sacrifices and commitments, to give back to the community, as well to families and friends, we need to fight our desires and temptations, and at all times be sincere in what we do.
I ask Allah to give us continued guidance so that we may be able to perform our duties and responsibilities in the best manner possible. Ameen. Thumma ameen.
Subhanakallahumma wabihamdika ashadu allaa ilaaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atuubuilaiik.
-“O Allah, You are pure, I praise You and testify that there is none worthy of worship besides You. I seek forgiveness and pardon from You”.
tariqyusufzai 