“Nafs e ammara” or Carnal Soul of Man or Low Desires / Passion

 

The lower self or carnal soul akin to baser feelings in man, teaches man to commit folly and to repent in leisure. Holy Quran refers to this lower self or ego as ‘Nafs e ammara’ in the following way:

Verse 53 Sura12 Yusuf

“I do not exculpate myself. Lo! The Nafs e ammara (carnal, human) soul enjoins (teaches) unto evil. Save that whereon my Lord hath mercy. Lo! My Lord is Forgiving, Merciful”

 Verse 26 Sura 38

            “Do not follow your low desires because they will lead you astray from the path of Allah”

As we are born, our senses and gratification of pleasures are linked to our food requirements and the pleasures derived there from. When these desires and requirements of a child’s daily needs are not fulfilled then the child cries and weeps and calls for its gratification. Thus, the first basic instinct is in appeasing the hunger. The second most important requirement of a growing child is the protection and safety from all fears and dangers. The parents provide this security by securing warmth, comfort and protection from all harms, ill effects and injuries. 

These two needs of human beings, in as much as, requirements of food, shelter and seeking protection from every harm and fear are basic for the growth of a child till the child grows into a full human being. During this period of growth are associated several feelings which are inherent in the human being; like anger, jealousy, greed, likes, dislikes, hatred and laziness. While protecting one self, the harmful elements or those which portents to be of danger are required to be subdued constantly. That is how the dangerous elements are recognized as deleterious to the healthy growth of human child be it illness or any other such harmful feelings or elements in him. 

The need for constant protection for a child from parents is through the feelings of love and attachment. There is reciprocation and this grows constantly over the periods of growth and development. Any disruption or deprivation of love and attachment would be a cause for depression or ill feelings with many side effects. The negative feelings arising due to lack of love and affection are all associated with ‘Nafs e ammara’ or the lower self of man.

A weaning from frustration, greed, sloth and slumber, anger and jealousy caused due to non-gratification of senses or otherwise are fundamental to the healthy growth of an individual. This is where the culture, education and light acquired through several ages of learning process helps in the normal healthy growth of an individual.

The ‘Nafs e ammara’ or lower self remains raw in the early stages of growth and development of inner personality of man. Childish pranks, tantrums, adamancy, stubbornness, laziness, petty jealousies, quarrels, lack of understanding are all part of the ‘Nafs e Ammara’. There will hardly be any understanding or good feelings, higher knowledge or realization of higher consciousness or presence of Almighty Allah. ‘Nafs e ammara’ is the rudimentary stage of inner self or ego or carnal soul. It keeps demanding for satisfaction of its low desires, passions and for its constant gratification. Thus, it is selfish and self centered. In ‘Nafs e ammara’ the intelligence is at its lowest ebb and has no part to play. Therefore there is the need of canon law, the Sharait, to regulate the ‘Nafs e ammara’ to higher levels of consciousness, so that it is brought within the bounds of Allah (Hoodadullah). The ‘Nafs e ammara’ or carnal soul is required to be bridled to enable man to live in peace and happiness and to be a good citizen. For achieving goodness, for acquiring moral fear, for good behavior and for self realization; ‘Nafs e ammara’ is required to be kept under constant watch and control. Such a ‘Nafs e ammara’ which is subjected to the laws and commands of Allah is referred to as ‘Nafs e lawamma’ or ‘moral self’. All good feelings, compassion and mercy are associated with ‘Nafs e lawamma’. When the ‘Nafs e ammara’ is totally annihilated the soul becomes a god imposed soul or ‘Nafs e mutmaenna’. It is at this stage that higher intelligence assumes importance for Allah’s realization. 

“As for such men as entertained the fear of standing before their Lord and controlled their soul from low desires, their abode will be paradise.” (Q79:40, 41)

“Have you seen one who takes his passions as his deity? They are like beasts.” (Q25:43)

“He who purifies the soul is successful, and he who ruins it, is ruined.” (Q91:7)

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