What Does Nafs (Soul/Self) Mean in Arabic?
نَفْس
nafs
Root: ن ف س
Nafs (Soul/Self) Nafs refers to the soul, self, or psyche. Mentioned 295 times in the Quran, it has three states: nafs al-ammarah (the commanding soul inclined toward evil), nafs al-lawwamah (the self-reproaching soul), and nafs al-mutmainnah (the soul at peace). In Islamic spirituality, purifying the nafs is one of the highest goals of worship.
The root of Nafs (Soul/Self) (nafs) appears 295 times in the Quran, reflecting its foundational importance in Islamic theology and practice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nafs (Soul/Self)
What does Nafs (Soul/Self) mean in Islam?
Nafs refers to the soul, self, or psyche. Mentioned 295 times in the Quran, it has three states: nafs al-ammarah (the commanding soul inclined toward evil), nafs al-lawwamah (the self-reproaching soul), and nafs al-mutmainnah (the soul at peace). In Islamic spirituality, purifying the nafs is one of the highest goals of worship.
How many times is Nafs (Soul/Self) mentioned in the Quran?
The root of the word Nafs (Soul/Self) appears 295 times in the Quran, underscoring its central importance in Islamic theology and practice.
What is the Arabic root of Nafs (Soul/Self)?
The Arabic root letters of Nafs (Soul/Self) are ن ف س.