nafs
(an-nafs)
|
|
| (Language: Arabic) |
| Alternate Spellings: |
|
| Short Description: |
Soul, psyche. |
| Long Description: |
The subtle reality of an individual, the “I.” As opposed to the spirit (rūḥ) or to the intellect (‘aql), the nafs appears in a negative aspect, because it is made up of the sum of individual or egocentric tendencies. But a distinction is made between: 1. an-nafs al-ḥaywāniyah : the animal soul, the soul as passively obedient to natural impulsions; 2. an-nafs al-ammārah : “the soul which commands (to evil),” the passionate, egoistic soul; 3. an-nafs al-lawwāmah : “the soul which blames,” the soul aware of its own 4. an-nafs al-mutma’innah : “the soul at peace,” the soul reintegrated in the Spirit and at rest in certainty. The last three expressions are from the Qur’ān. |
| Example(s): |
|
| Source(s): |
Introduction to Sufi Doctrine (by Titus Burckhardt) |
| Notes & References: |
|
|
|
| Related Terms: |
|
|
|
|
|