16/10/2025
We discussed the nafs mutma’innah (the tranquil soul) today as part of our counselling series on ‘knowing myself’ at the Mehron Nisa Women’s Centre today. Alhamdulillah it was a very insightful session.
We looked at the terms which are being thrown around so commonly these days - ‘being true to myself’ and ‘my authentic self’.
Being true to our authentic self, is not to do whatever the lower nafs desires, or whatever brings us joy and pleasure. While Western Psychology throws these terms around so commonly and can sound good, as Muslims we must be careful of these terms which are based on personal freedom and autonomy.
Alhamdulillah, our authentic self is as a servant of Allah - one which finds its true potential and fulfilment in obedience to its Master.
So any action we do or any words we say which fall in line with our Deen is our ‘authentic self’ and this is being ‘true to ourself’.
As Believers we must be conscious not to do or say anything which is not in agreement with our Deen. While it may give us pleasure or satisfaction temporarily, it will lead to the destruction of our soul because it is not in agreement with its nature - to worship and obey Allah swt, the Creator of the soul.
The tranquil soul is one which is disciplined enough to go through temporary worldly pain and to let go of the ego, in order to transcend into the Hereafter pleasing to its Lord.
يَٰٓأَيَّتُهَا ٱلنَّفْسُ ٱلْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ
ٱرْجِعِىٓ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً
فَٱدْخُلِى فِى عِبَٰدِى
وَٱدْخُلِى جَنَّتِى
“[To the righteous it will be said], “O reassured soul, Return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him], And enter among My [righteous] servants. And enter My Paradise.”” (Surah Al-Fajr, verse 27-30)
May Allah swt reward our counsellor, sister Zaynab, for delivering this excellent and thought provoking series.
