Between Temptation and Tranquillity: The Quranic framework of Nafs

Abstract

The Quranic concept of Nafs offers a deeply insightful understanding of the human self, portraying it as the essence of individuality beyond the physical body. It represents the core of consciousness, moral judgment, and personal identity, playing a central role in the spiritual and ethical development of a person. This study explores how the Quran articulates the nature and evolution of the Nafs, highlighting its stages and function in the human struggle between base desires and higher virtues. Framed by two key research questions—how the Quran conceptualizes Nafs about moral development, and how this understanding contributes to contemporary views of self and transformation—the study aims to identify and analyze the stages of Nafs as presented in Islamic thought, and to examine its relevance to current discussions on identity and inner growth. Employing a qualitative approach based on thematic textual analysis, this study examines Quranic verses, classical tafsīr works, and contemporary interpretations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the self, encompassing both its spiritual and psychological aspects. The findings aim to provide a fresh perspective on human development with the insight o divine revelation, emphasizing the Quran’s unique contribution to understanding the journey of the self.