The Nafs and Shaytaan’s Various Tactics

The Nafs (Self/Ego) – Internal Struggles

In man there exists the capacity for desire. This capacity is termed the nafs. This capacity refers to both virtue and evil. It desires goodness as well as evil. In its development the nafs passes through three stages, viz., Ammaarah, Law-waamah and Mut’mainnah.

AMMAARAH
In this stage the nafs is overwhelming in the desire of evil and it experiences no regret for its evil commissions and omissions. This lowly stage is also termed Hawaa-e-Nafs.

LAW-WAAMAH
In this stage the nafs suffers remorse and regret when afflicted by evil desires.

MUT-MAINNAH
In this stage the nafs is overwhelmingly in the desire of virtue.

Islam identifies three types of Nafs:

• Nafs al-Ammarah (Commanding Self)
  Inclines toward evil and desires. Pushes one to sin, arrogance, laziness, and heedlessness.
  “Indeed, the soul is ever inclined to evil…” (Surah Yusuf 12:53)
• Nafs al-Lawwamah (Self-Reproaching Soul)
  Conscience that feels guilt after sin. Struggles between good and evil.
  “And I swear by the self-reproaching soul.” (Surah Al-Qiyamah 75:2)
• Nafs al-Mutma’innah (Peaceful Soul)
  Content and tranquil, aligned with Allah’s will.
  “O reassured soul, return to your Lord…” (Surah Al-Fajr 89:27-30)

How to Control the Nafs

• Self-discipline and Taqwa (God-consciousness)
• Regular worship, repentance, and remembrance of Allah
• Avoiding indulgence in desires and materialism

Shaytaan (Satan) – External Deceptions

Shaytaan uses various tactics to mislead humans:

10 Common Tricks of Shaytaan

1. Whispering (Waswasah) – Plants doubts and evil thoughts
   (Surah An-Nas 114:4-5)
2. Temptation – Makes sins look attractive
   (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:268)
3. Creating Doubt – About faith, prayer, and Allah’s mercy
4. False Promises – Promises happiness through sin
   (Surah An-Nisa 4:120)
5. Fear of Poverty – Prevents charity and generosity
6. Procrastination – Delays good deeds and repentance
7. Sowing Discord – Especially between spouses
   (Sahih Muslim 2813b)
8. Misrepresentation – Twists religious teachings
9. Beautifying Falsehood – Calls sins by appealing names
10. Despair – Makes people feel unworthy of forgiveness

Protection Against Shaytaan and Nafs

• Seek refuge in Allah: Recite A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim
• Recite Quran regularly, especially Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas
• Make sincere du’a and repent often
• Keep good company and avoid environments of sin
• Strengthen your Imaan through knowledge and worship