The word “Tazkiyah” (تزكية) literally means purification. In Islam, Tazkiyah has a broad meaning and is a crucial aspect of spirituality. While we often clean our visible Najasah (filth) by performing Ghusl and Wudu to perform salah or other forms of worship, we may still carry a filthy heart and a contaminated soul. When we have to attend an official meeting, we typically follow various rituals, including dressing appropriately and maintaining personal hygiene. However, attending the meeting just by wearing nice clothes without taking care of our personal hygiene is not sufficient. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we stand in front of Allah with a polluted soul, a heart darkened by our sins, and carrying inward diseases.
We always live with the awareness of the uncertainty of life and death, knowing that we may meet our Lord at any moment. As stated in a narration, “If you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening.” Therefore, a believer must be prepared to meet Allah at any time. Now, how would you like to present your soul in front of Him – as a filthy, contaminated soul or as a contented soul (Nafs Mutmainnah)?
A believer seeks the afterlife for salvation. If you are fleeing from eternal damnation, then sort yourself out first. When the heart is cleansed from blameworthy traits, only then can it be filled with praiseworthy characteristics. In order to take our soul to the level of excellence (Ihsan), we must purify our heart. When the heart becomes a sanctuary for your faith, its illumination extends light to every facet of your existence.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Beware, in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound and if it is corrupt the whole body is corrupt, and hearken it is the heart.”
[Sahih Muslim]
There are numerous verses in the Holy Quran that state the importance of Tazkiyah and it delineates the consequences for those who purify themselves versus those who do not.
قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن تَزَكَّىٰ
Success is surely attained by him who purifies himself. [87:14]
Another verse from Surah Al-Shams:
وَنَفْسٍۢ وَمَا سَوَّىٰهَا ٧ فَأَلْهَمَهَا فُجُورَهَا وَتَقْوَىٰهَا ٨ قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن زَكَّىٰهَا ٩ وَقَدْ خَابَ مَن دَسَّىٰهَا ١٠
and by the soul, and the One who made it well, then inspired it with its (instincts of) evil and piety, success is really attained by him who purifies it, and failure is really suffered by him who pollutes it. [91:7-10]
The following verses divided the entire mankind in two categories:
- successful; and [ 2] unsuccessful.
Now, the question arises: Who are these successful people? The verses themselves provide the answer to the question: successful are those who purify their souls.
In a beautiful passage from Surah Mu’minun, Allah says:
قَدْ أَفْلَحَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ
Success is really attained by the believers. [23:1]
Although there are numerous verses in the Holy Quran that speak about Tazkiyah, the aforementioned ones particularly reflect on the topic in various ways. In these verses, Allah Ta’ala describes those who will be successful—success is attained by those who purify themselves, as stated in Surah Al-A’ala and Surah Al-Shams, and by those who are believers, as emphasized in Surah Mu’minun. Subsequently, the following verses of Surah Mu’minun elucidate the attributes of those who will attain success:
“Success is really attained by the believers, who concentrate their attention in humbleness when offering Salāh (prayers), and who keep themselves away from vain things, and who are performers of Zakāh, and who guard their private parts, and (success is attained) by those who honestly look after their trusts and covenant,and who consistently observe their prayers. Those are the inheritors who will inherit Firdaus (the Paradise). They will be there forever.” [23:1-11]
From the above verses, we understand the inner qualities and outward actions of believers who will attain success by purifying their souls. Let us delve deeply into ourselves to empower ourselves with insights on how to heal the ailments of the heart.
Make Sincere Intentions: Before any action, intention is a must. Take responsibility for the spiritual obstacles and make intention to refining and healing your heart. Set goals and create a plan to accomplish them. To cleanse your soul, self-reflection is essential. Assess the condition and ailments of your heart. Identify what is preventing you from achieving the highest level of excellence (Ihsan).
Fear Allah (Taqwa): Whoever fears Allah, Allah will provide a way out for them. Remind yourself that disobedience to Allah instills fear in your heart and brings unease. One who lacks fear of Allah lives in chaos, avoiding worship, obedience to Allah, and the recitation of the Quran, and may flee from gatherings of scholars. Strive to become acquainted with Allah. The outcome of Taqwa (fear of Allah) is ease.
Self-Reflection (Muhasabah):
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلْتَنظُرْ نَفْسٌۭ مَّا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍۢ ۖ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ
O you who believe, fear Allah, and everybody must consider what he (or she) has sent ahead for tomorrow. And fear Allah. Surely Allah is fully aware of what you do. [59:18]
In the above verse, we learn that every believer must engage in self-introspection regarding what they sow and send forward for the Hereafter. The verse teaches us to remain accountable for our actions. Thus, continuous self-introspection and accountability are important for spiritual growth. They say, “Real eyes realize.” Believers are encouraged to reflect on their actions, intentions, and character traits, identifying areas for improvement and striving for self-improvement. The primary purpose of human existence is to reside here, acquire and accumulate things, and send them forward to the eternal abode of the Hereafter. When a believer reaches the eternal abode, it is handed over to them without any claim or demand. It’s imperative to ensure that what is being sent forward is genuine and not counterfeit.
Refrain from Sins: Allah has chosen believers for Noor (Light), do not distinguish it by darkness i.e. committing sins. He has placed a Noor (light) in the hearts of believers; light and darkness cannot coexist. You must remove the veil of darkness from your heart so that the light can illuminate your soul. Before you plant crops, you need to remove the weeds. Committing sins can have consequences both in this world and in the hereafter. One of the effects of sins is that they can deprive a person of knowledge, the inner light and guidance. Sins can cloud the mind, distort judgment, and hinder one’s ability to seek and attain knowledge, as well as to experience the tranquility of spiritual enlightenment. When the person commits evil, darkness fills their heart, their face, and even their grave. Your deeds will yield identical outcomes. Therefore, avoiding sin is considered essential for spiritual growth and well-being.
Seek Knowledge:
“Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are Exalted in Might, the Wise.” [2:129]
Knowledge opens the door of Hikmah (Wisdom) that only emerges from the Quran, prophetic teachings and the company of scholars. It gives us the wisdom of understanding the commandments of Allah Ta’ala, and protects us from the corruption of heart. The first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad included the command to “Read!” (Iqra). This highlights the importance of literacy and education in Islam.
Repentance (Tawbah): One of the traits of true believers is that they always turn to Allah whenever they commit a sin and make sincere Tawbah acknowledging their shortcomings and strive to rectify their behavior. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala loves a believer when he repents.
إِنَّ اللّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ
“Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” [2:222]
In another verse,
وَتُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
Turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful. [24:31]
Seek Righteous Companionship: Keep yourself immersed in the company of scholars, read their biographies, watch beneficial videos and lectures, and explore the lives of the Sahaba (Companions). The Suhbah (Companionship) of virtuous people is important, as everything emanates from companionship. A person will be resurrected with those whom they loved in this world. Therefore, it is highly encouraged to choose companions wisely and to seek the company of those who remind you of Allah and the Hereafter.
By focusing on these aspects of spiritual purification, Muslims seek to attain closeness to Allah, cultivate inner peace and contentment, and lead a life guided by faith, righteousness, and moral excellence. Muslims must earnestly seek Tazkiyah as the most important aspect for spiritual well-being. Just as the body requires a nutritious diet to stay healthy, our soul requires purification for nourishment. May Allah Ta’ala forgive us and purify our souls. Ameen
Reference:
Maariful Quran by Mufti Taqi Usmani
Ihya Ulum al-Din by Imam Ghazali
Islam is perfect, and any mistakes are solely mine. I take responsibility for my mistakes and seek your pardon for any errors I may have made. And Allah Knows Best!
