How controlling our inner desires can lead to real happiness, balance, and peace of mind.
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In a nutshell...
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us struggle to stay calm. We face stress at work, tension at home, and restlessness in our hearts. We buy things we don’t need, chase approval from others, and still feel something is missing.
This inner tug-of-war is what scholars call Mujahadah — the battle against our own self. It’s not about fighting others; it’s about fighting the ego inside that whispers, “You deserve more,” or “Don’t forgive.”
Islamic scholars describe seven stages of the human soul, from the lowest to the highest:
Tasawuf describes a three-step process to cleanse the heart, known as Takhalli, Tahalli, and Tajalli — or simply, the 3T formula.
Mental health experts today discuss mindfulness and emotional regulation — but these are not new concepts. Tasawuf has taught them for centuries. When the nafsu is untrained, life feels like a storm — full of noise and confusion. But when the heart leads, even silence feels comforting.
A calm heart brings peace to a family. Peaceful families create peaceful communities. And when people learn to tame their egos, society itself becomes more compassionate and just. That is why Tasawuf is not just about individual spirituality — it’s about social harmony.
Tasawuf is not a mysterious philosophy reserved for scholars. It’s a practical guide for anyone who seeks peace — the worker facing stress, the parent feeling overwhelmed, the youth searching for purpose.
Introduction
Islam teaches us that this emptiness isn’t caused by a lack of success — it’s caused by a restless soul. And to heal the soul, we must turn to Tasawuf — the inner dimension of Islam that helps us purify our hearts, discipline our desires, and reconnect with our Creator.
The Layers Inside Us
At the base is nafsu — the part that always wants something: money, power, attention, or pleasure. Above that lies the ruh, the akal, and finally, the hati, which sits at the top — the seat of wisdom and divine light.
When our nafsu controls us, we become selfish, reactive, and anxious. But when the heart and mind take charge, we find peace and clarity. Tasawuf is about restoring that balance — letting the heart lead and the desires follow.
The Struggle Within
The next step is Riyadah, a form of spiritual training. Just like we exercise our bodies, we must also train our souls — through prayer, fasting, patience, and remembrance. Over time, this spiritual training softens the heart, just like consistent polishing makes a mirror shine.The Seven Levels of the Soul
1. Amarah – the commanding self that pushes toward wrongdoing.
2. Lawwamah – the blaming self that begins to feel guilt and self-awareness.
3. Mulhamah – the inspired self that receives guidance.
4. Mutmainnah – the peaceful self, calm and content.
5. Radhiyah – the satisfied self that accepts Allah’s decree.
6. Mardhiyyah – the pleasing self that gains Allah’s approval.
7. Kamilah – the perfected soul that reflects divine character.
Most of us live somewhere between Amarah and Lawwamah, struggling daily with our tempers, habits, and temptations. The key is not perfection, but progress — to climb one step higher each day.
The 3T Formula for Inner Peace
1. Takhalli – Empty the heart of bad traits: pride, envy, greed, and anger.
2. Tahalli – Fill it with good traits: patience, sincerity, humility, and love.
3. Tajalli – When the heart becomes pure, it reflects divine light — this is spiritual
perfection.
This lifelong journey is what transforms ordinary people into extraordinary souls. Every act of kindness, forgiveness, or patience brings us closer to the divine presence.
Tasawuf and Modern Mental Health
Tasawuf reminds us that peace is not found in wealth or success, but in self-control, gratitude, and spiritual connection. It is the art of balancing the heart and the mind, so that the soul can breathe freely.A Peaceful Heart Makes a Peaceful Nation
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Verily, in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound. If it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.”
Tasawuf teaches us how to heal that heart — through humility, forgiveness, and remembrance of Allah.
Conclusion
When the nafsu is tamed, the heart finds peace. When the heart finds peace, the soul finds freedom. And when the soul finds freedom, we rediscover our true purpose — to know and love Allah.
Author's Note: This piece was inspired by my recent Tasawuf class with Ustaz Malek — a young teacher whose simple yet profound lessons reminded me that peace begins with the heart.
Appendix A: My Handwritten Notes on Tasawuf
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