NAFAS

"In Islamic cosmology, nafas (نَفَس)—literally meaning "breath"—holds profound metaphysical significance. It is not merely the act of breathing, but a symbol of the divine life-force that permeates creation. According to classical Sufi metaphysics, nafas al-Rahman (Breath of the All-Compassionate) refers to the primordial breath through which Allah brought the cosmos into being. This concept is closely tied to the idea of tajalli (manifestation), where the breath is seen as the medium through which the hidden (al-ghayb) becomes manifest (al-shahada).

Ibn Arabi (d. 1240), one of the foremost mystics in Islamic tradition, elaborated on nafas al-Rahman as the breath of mercy that gives rise to all forms, constantly renewing creation in every moment. This breath is both sustaining and transformative—connecting the divine and the temporal. In this sense, nafas becomes a bridge between the Unseen and the seen, the Infinite and the finite.
In spiritual practices such as dhikr (remembrance), breath control and awareness are tools for aligning the self with the divine rhythm, allowing practitioners to experience unity (tawhid) within the multiplicity of creation.

Here's seven stages (maqāmāt) of the soul (nafs) according to Islamic cosmology, especially as understood in Sufi psychology

The Seven Stages (Maqāmāt) of the Soul in Islamic Cosmology

In Islamic cosmology, particularly in Sufi metaphysics, the soul (nafs) undergoes a journey of purification and transformation through seven ascending stages, or maqāmāt, moving from a state of base desire toward divine proximity and spiritual perfection. This journey mirrors the soul's return to its origin—liqa’ Allah (meeting with God).

• al-Nafs al-Ammārah (The Commanding Soul)
The soul incites evil and follows base desires. It is dominated by the ego and worldly attachments.
Reference: Qur’an 12:53 – "Indeed, the soul is ever inclined to evil..."

• al-Nafs al-Lawwāmah (The Blaming Soul)
A self-aware soul that begins to feel guilt and shame for wrongdoing. This marks the awakening of conscience.
Reference: Qur’an 75:2 – "And I swear by the self-reproaching soul..."

• al-Nafs al-Mulhamah (The Inspired Soul)
At this stage, the soul is inspired to do good and avoid evil. It begins to receive inner insights.
Reference: Qur’an 91:7–8 – "And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it and inspired it with [discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness..."

• al-Nafs al-Mutma’innah (The Tranquil Soul)
The soul finds peace in divine remembrance and submission. It is satisfied with God's decree.
Reference: Qur’an 89:27–28 – "O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]."

• al-Nafs al-Rāḍiyah (The Content Soul)
The soul is content with whatever God gives, and no longer yearns for worldly things.

• al-Nafs al-Marḍiyyah (The Pleasing Soul)
Not only is the soul content, but it also becomes pleasing to God. It reflects divine attributes.

• al-Nafs al-Kāmilah (The Perfected Soul)
The soul has reached its highest state—complete surrender, perfect balance, and divine intimacy (maqām al-fanā’ wa’l-baqā’, annihilation in God and subsistence through Him)."

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