THE NATURE OF NAFS
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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.
