Abdallah Rothman - Knowledge of Self in the Qur’an Session 2

In this session, Dr Rothman explores the concept of self-awareness in Islam, highlighting the distinction between the run (spirit) and the nafs (self).
While the nafs has a beautiful nature, it can also be an obstacle to knowing Allah if left unchecked. Through purification and training, we aim to align the nafs with the higher purpose. Fasting in Ramadan serves as a means to weaken the hold of the nafs particularly in relation to desires and impulses.
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[@JaefarSABNW]

Even when we memorize revelation and inspiration, our understanding will only be partial, but it can be personal. When we work with our own jurisprudence, the veils that weight down our lower soul can be gradually lifted, People speak of following their heart, but usually it is just aimless rebellion or programing. It is important to figure out how to stop before feeling full, because that feeling is coming. People need to distinguish between the directive of the body and the soul, because we need to consciously operate the vehicle of the soul.

[@fayazshah2884]

Really excellent exposition by Dr Rothman. He touches on key areas within our control that can really shape our being as we strive for salvation.

[@ceciliasaggini3196]

@CambridgeMuslimCollege another very insighful and beautiful session - Is there any way where you could perhaps compile some books recommendation with regards to this particula topic dealt by Dr Rothman?

[@lolladegrace2529]

Masha Allah.. ✨JazakAllah Khayr ✨✨

[@-WalkWithMe2025]

Alhamdulillah, thank you for the reminder that to know ourselves we need to say no to our nafs ... :)

[@abdullahtahir9622]

Western philosophical thought about the self has been diverse, ranging from the ancient Greeks to modern thinkers. Plato considered the self as an immortal soul distinct from the body, with the potential for knowledge of eternal truths. Aristotle emphasized the importance of self-awareness and self-realization in achieving eudaimonia (human flourishing). René Descartes famously proposed "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"), asserting the existence of the self as a thinking, conscious entity. Immanuel Kant argued that the self is a transcendental unity of consciousness, organizing our experiences and perceptions. Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre focused on the individual's freedom and responsibility in creating their own self-identity through choices and actions.

[@myprettybride2636]

Detailed information about nafs

[@MarshalBruceMatters]

How can I find in which nafs state I am? It’s looks like somehow I’ve made some nafs cleaning job. Then I got supernatural experience. And now I find myself in interesting state.

[@loidaj9045]

Thank you so much !!! I have a question : With new discoveries about the nervous system and polyvagal theory, the approach to nafs has been radically pacified. It's no longer a question of fighting against oneself, of developing a kind of dualism between oneself and oneself, of doing violence to oneself and relying on one's very limited capacities to hope one day to change or be at peace in Allâh. Rather, it's a matter of reconciling all the parts of ourselves that have been damaged and neglected, and uniting them. We then understand that many of our tendencies are not just the nafs that wants to dominate us and that we need to control, but wounds within ourselves that have not been taken into account, parts of ourselves that are not understood and that are interpreted from a conflicting point of view. It's a much less violent process, requiring less reliance on our own efforts and more action on our part than acceptance of where we are by understanding how our nervous system works and our fundamental needs. On the other hand, understanding that behind such and such a tendency in us there is in fact an explanation from the point of view of the nervous system, frees us because we no longer rely solely on our limited capacities to redouble our efforts, but work with what is, more humbly, more gently but in depth. I haven't heard Islamic psychology express itself on this subject, yet it would help a lot of muslims who are stuck in their struggles and fight against themselves ! What do you think about it ?

[@asiyashaikh476]

At Cambridge Muslim College's diploma in Islamic Psychology this is addressed and explained well.