Purification of the Self

PURIFICATION OF THE SELF Purification (tazkiyah) covers a number of Islamic imperatives: purifying oneself of the temptations of the self and Satan and refraining from negative reaction when faced with unpleasant experiences. The Quran mentions four responsibilities of the Prophet, one being the purification of the self. (2:129). The fact that this is set forth in the Scriptures underlines the importance of purification. It is, therefore, essential for believers to give first priority to the purification of the self in their lives. Similarly, it is necessary for the dayee and the reformer to attach great importance to the process of purification. Purification (tazkiyah) covers a number of Islamic imperatives: purifying oneself of the temptations of the self and Satan; refraining from negative reaction when faced with unpleasant experiences occasioned by others; and remaining resistant to such influences as cause man to deviate from the straight path, etc. The truth is that man has been created by God with an upright nature. But in the life of this world, it repeatedly happens that external factors compromise this positive aspect of his character. Man ought to become aware that this is an ever-present possibility and should make unremitting efforts to ward off undesirable influences. The task of the Prophet was always to make people aware of this principle of purification and lead them towards