Discourses on Self-Purification
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, frequently prayed to his Lord, Almighty, for the purification and elevation of the soul. He also emphasized the virtues of good character and conduct that contribute to a refined and polished Muslim persona. This article highlights the supplications made by the Prophet for self-purification, alongside several narrations emphasizing the importance of cultivating behavior and moral refinement.
The Prophet’s Prayer for Self-Purification
In Sahih Muslim, Zaid ibn Arqam, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: “I will not convey anything to you except what the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: He used to say: (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from incapacity, laziness, cowardice, miserliness, senility, and the torment of the grave. O Allah, grant my soul its piety, and purify it; You are the Best of those who purify it. You are its Guardian and Protector. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not humble itself, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered).
Hadiths Encouraging Self-Purification and Behavioral Refinement
The Sunnah of the Prophet contains numerous traditions that advocate for gentleness, compassion, ease, and simplicity, while discouraging vulgar speech. Adhering to these qualities is essential for self-purification and refining one’s nature. Below are some noteworthy hadiths:
- According to Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: “Indeed, religion is ease, and nobody makes religion difficult but it overwhelms them. So be moderate and seek what is within your capability, and rejoice, and seek help with the early morning, the late afternoon, and some parts of the night.”
- In another narration, he stated: “No one’s deeds will rescue them from Hellfire.” They asked, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied: “Not even me, unless Allah envelops me in His mercy. Therefore, strive in moderation, and be consistent in your deeds; you shall reach your goal.”
- As narrated by Aisha, the Mother of the Faithful, may Allah be pleased with her: “When the Jews came to the Prophet, peace be upon him, saying: ‘Death be upon you,’ I said: ‘Death be upon you, and may Allah curse you and be angry with you.’ The Prophet, peace be upon him, responded: ‘Take it easy, Aisha. You must be gentle; avoid harshness or vulgarity.’ I said: ‘Did you not hear what they said?’ He replied: ‘Did you not hear what I said? I responded to them, and my supplication is accepted while theirs is not.”
- Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, also reported: “The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, ‘Gentleness is not found in anything except that it beautifies it, nor is it taken away from anything except that it tarnishes it.’
- Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: “The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: ‘A believer is not a person who curses, nor is he one who insults, nor is he vulgar or abusive.’
Quranic Verses on Self-Purification
The concept of self-purification is mentioned in the Quran with two distinct meanings. The first is the unwelcome practice of self-praise and believing oneself to be righteous, which is condemned in several verses, including: “Do not praise yourselves; He knows best who is righteous among you.” The second meaning, in line with the hadiths, pertains to refining the soul, correcting it, and freeing it from vices.
This process of purification is a pathway to success and salvation, as evidenced by the following verses:
- In the words of the magicians of Pharaoh: “Indeed, we have believed in our Lord so that He may forgive us our sins and the magic you compelled us to do. Allah is better and more lasting. Indeed, whoever comes to his Lord as a criminal, for him is Hell, wherein he will neither die nor live. But whoever comes to Him as a believer, having done righteous deeds, they will have the highest degrees. They will have Gardens of Eternity, with rivers flowing beneath, wherein they will abide forever. That is the Reward of one who purifies himself.”
- In Surah Ash-Shams, it states: “And the soul and He who fashioned it, then inspired it with discernment of its wickedness and its righteousness. Successful is he who purifies it, and failed is he who instills it [with vice].”