Nefsimize nasıl hakim olabiliriz? | M. Fethullah Gülen Hocaefendi

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2 Apr 202315:40

Summary

TLDRThe transcript explores the concept of self-discipline and inner struggle, focusing on controlling one's ego or 'nefs.' It discusses various states of the soul in Islamic teachings, including the temptations and challenges posed by one's desires. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer, self-reflection, and resisting both overt and subtle temptations. Through religious practices, such as limiting worldly pleasures and following divine guidance, individuals can refine their souls and guard against falling into sin. The message underscores humility, self-awareness, and spiritual growth as key elements in overcoming the ego.

Takeaways

📖 The importance of reciting the Quran and performing prayers to gain control over one's desires.
🧘‍♂️ The struggle to dominate the self (nafs) is a significant challenge, and not knowing how to overcome it is acknowledged.
🤔 The self (nafs) can sometimes be equated with the ego, and at other times with the various levels of the soul's desires and inclinations.
🚫 The self can lead a person to commit heinous acts, and it's crucial to be aware of its influence to avoid such behaviors.
🧐 Recognizing and controlling one's self is a sign of spiritual progress, and people at higher levels of spiritual development are those who have tamed their self.
🌙 The Prophet advises on the importance of staying awake at night for contemplation and seeking knowledge.
🌌 The self can come from any direction, and it's unpredictable, which is why one must always be vigilant.
🕋 The self can use religious practices as a means to feed one's ego, which is a trap to be aware of.
👥 The self is compared to an enemy that must be feared and guarded against, as it can lead to one's downfall.
🌟 The Prophet Joseph (Yusuf) is mentioned as an example of someone who was able to resist the self and its temptations.
🕊 The self is described as a spiritual entity that represents the devil's influence on a person's body and actions.

Q & A

What is the significance of controlling one's nafs (self) according to the transcript?
-Controlling one's nafs is crucial as it is likened to controlling one's base desires and ego, which can lead to spiritual growth and a closer connection to one's faith.
What does the term 'nawafil' refer to in the context of the transcript?
-Nawafil refers to optional or voluntary acts of worship in Islam, such as extra prayers, which are not obligatory but are performed to gain additional rewards.
How does the speaker describe the unpredictable nature of the nafs?
-The speaker describes the nafs as unpredictable, coming from all directions, and capable of causing one's downfall if not controlled, emphasizing its influence on one's actions and decisions.
What is the role of the nafs in relation to good and evil actions as discussed in the transcript?
-The nafs is described as a force that can lead one to both good and evil actions. It can incline a person towards evil if not controlled, but it can also be a source of self-reproach and a drive towards self-improvement.
What is the importance of prayer (namaz) in controlling the nafs as mentioned in the transcript?
-Prayer is highlighted as a means to control the nafs and purify it. It is a practice that helps in aligning one's actions with religious teachings and resisting the temptations of the nafs.
How does the speaker relate the nafs to the concept of 'safiye' and its different levels?
-The speaker relates the nafs to the concept of 'safiye', which refers to the highest level of purification of the nafs. It discusses how different levels of control over the nafs can lead to varying degrees of spiritual purity.
What advice does the speaker give regarding the control of one's nafs during the night?
-The speaker advises staying awake at night for contemplation and reflection, which can help in controlling the nafs and avoiding its negative influences.
What is the significance of the hadith mentioned about the nafs being the greatest enemy?
-The hadith emphasizes the importance of recognizing the nafs as a significant source of temptation and a barrier to spiritual progress, urging believers to be vigilant against its influence.
How does the speaker link the nafs to the concept of 'fana' and 'baqa'?
-The speaker links the nafs to the concepts of 'fana' (annihilation of the self) and 'baqa' (subsistence), suggesting that controlling the nafs can lead to a state of spiritual annihilation where one's focus is solely on God.
What is the importance of avoiding the traps of the nafs as discussed in the transcript?
-Avoiding the traps of the nafs is important for maintaining a righteous path and for spiritual growth. The speaker warns against succumbing to the desires of the nafs, which can lead to moral and spiritual decline.
How does the speaker describe the impact of controlling the nafs on one's relationship with God?
-The speaker describes controlling the nafs as a means to strengthen one's relationship with God. It allows for a deeper connection and understanding of divine wisdom, leading to a more profound faith.

Outlines

00:00

🌿 The Battle with Nafs (Ego) and its Dominance

This paragraph explores the struggle humans face with their nafs (ego) and how it can lead them towards undesirable behavior. The speaker emphasizes the difficulty of controlling one's nafs and shares a personal reflection about how they've never truly mastered their own ego. The nafs is described as a complex, multi-faceted force that can manifest in various ways—sometimes leading to base desires and sinful actions, while at other times causing self-reproach (levvâme) or inspiring higher spiritual states (safîye). The ultimate goal is to rise to the level of purified nafs, akin to the state of the prophets. The nafs is likened to a constant companion of Satan, playing a destructive role in human behavior unless kept in check through spiritual vigilance.

05:01

⚔️ The Danger of Nafs Coming from the 'Right'

This section discusses how the nafs can deceive people by presenting seemingly righteous intentions. The example of using religion or faith (such as performing prayers or charity) to fuel pride, arrogance, or conflict with fellow believers is highlighted. The paragraph warns about the 'right side' deceptions, where individuals might believe they are doing good for the sake of religion but are actually being misled by their nafs. This can lead to conflicts, even under the guise of fighting for religious dominance. The prophet Yusuf’s mention of nafs’s treachery, as well as a Hadith from Prophet Muhammad, underscores the dangerous and hidden nature of the ego.

10:03

🌙 Balancing the Physical and Spiritual Desires

In this passage, the focus is on the need for self-discipline in areas such as eating, sleeping, and general lifestyle habits. The example of Prophet Muhammad's moderation in food, drink, and sleep is given as a guide for taming the nafs. Excessive indulgence in physical pleasures is seen as a gateway for the nafs to dominate. The speaker also discusses spiritual practices such as contemplation during the night, reflecting on the grandeur of creation, and avoiding idleness. This is portrayed as part of a broader effort to purify the heart and mind, preparing oneself for higher spiritual insights.

15:07

🌸 The Sweetness of Faith and the Battle Against Sin

The paragraph reflects on the rewards of abstaining from sin and choosing righteousness. The speaker recalls a Hadith where avoiding sinful behavior, such as averting one’s gaze from forbidden things, brings a sense of deep spiritual sweetness that surpasses the fleeting pleasure of sin. This spiritual joy is described as a far greater reward than physical indulgence. The speaker advises that resisting temptations like lying or engaging in forbidden acts will bring the believer closer to Allah and protect them from spiritual downfall. The paragraph concludes by encouraging reliance on divine guidance to maintain this discipline.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Nafs

The term 'Nafs' refers to the human self, often depicted as the ego or the soul's lower desires in Islamic theology. In the context of the video, it is described as the inner force that drives a person towards both good and evil actions. The speaker categorizes different states of 'Nafs', such as 'Nafs al-Ammarah' (the commanding self that inclines towards evil) and 'Nafs al-Mutma'innah' (the tranquil self that is content with God's will), indicating the struggle to purify the self and control desires.

💡Self-Purification (Tazkiyah)

Tazkiyah, or self-purification, involves the spiritual process of cleansing the soul from sinful inclinations and harmful traits. In the video, the speaker emphasizes that purification of the Nafs is crucial for attaining a higher spiritual state. He elaborates on how one can achieve this through various practices like controlling one's desires, adhering to religious commandments, and resisting temptations.

💡Levvama Nafs

The 'Levvama Nafs' is a stage of the self that is self-reproaching or self-critical. It represents a person who is aware of their shortcomings and feels remorse for their wrongdoings. The speaker mentions this state as an indicator of moral awakening, where the individual begins to recognize their flaws and starts the journey of self-improvement.

💡Nafs al-Ammarah

This term refers to the 'commanding self,' which strongly inclines towards evil and temptation. It is the lowest state of the soul, characterized by its inability to resist immoral urges. In the video, the speaker illustrates the dangers of succumbing to this form of Nafs, describing it as a major obstacle on the path to spiritual purity.

💡Nafs al-Mutma'innah

The 'Nafs al-Mutma'innah' is the state of a soul that has found tranquility and contentment in God's will. It is described as a spiritually elevated state that is free from the constant internal conflicts and temptations of the lower Nafs. The speaker highlights this as an aspirational goal for believers who seek inner peace and closeness to God.

💡Self-Control

Self-control is the ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses. The video emphasizes that self-control is essential to overcoming the desires of the Nafs and achieving a state of self-purification. The speaker gives examples like controlling one's appetite and refraining from idle talk as practical steps to enhance self-control.

💡Sufism

Sufism, or Islamic mysticism, is mentioned in the context of understanding the different states of the Nafs. The speaker refers to Sufi classifications such as 'Nafs al-Radiyah' and 'Nafs al-Safiyah,' which represent advanced stages of purification and spiritual elevation. These terms are used to illustrate how deeply Sufism explores the inner dimensions of the human soul.

💡Ego

The ego, referred to as 'Nafs' or 'Enkusekum' in the video, is portrayed as a powerful entity within a person that can lead them away from spiritual growth. The speaker discusses the challenges of taming the ego and how unchecked egoistic behavior can cause harm to one's spiritual journey.

💡Temptation

Temptation is the allure or urge to engage in activities that are spiritually or morally harmful. In the video, it is explained as a major trial posed by the Nafs, which seeks to draw people into sinful actions. The speaker advises vigilance and conscious effort to resist these temptations in order to progress on the path of self-purification.

💡Islamic Practices

Islamic practices such as prayer (namaz), fasting, and charity (zekat) are mentioned as means to control and purify the Nafs. The speaker elaborates on how these practices help restrain the desires of the Nafs and foster spiritual discipline. For example, fasting is said to curb the ego's dominance over bodily desires.

Highlights

The speaker reflects on the nature of the 'self' (nefs) and the difficulty of mastering it, emphasizing that he does not know the exact answer to controlling it.

The concept of 'nefs' is discussed in relation to various states, including 'nefs-i emmâre' (self commanding to evil) and 'nefs-i levvâme' (self-blaming self), outlining their progression in spiritual development.

The speaker explains that the ego (nefs) plays a crucial role in a person's actions, often leading them towards sin, and that the ego is associated with Satan's influence over human behavior.

A distinction is made between the nefsi’s role in both worldly desires and religious obligations, showing how it can corrupt both areas if left unchecked.

One's ego can tempt through 'right' actions, such as making one feel proud of their piety or religious acts, illustrating the subtleties of ego's influence even in righteousness.

The speaker highlights the dangers of following the ego, saying that its influence is a pathway to ruin and misguidance, referencing Prophet Yusuf’s words on the human self.

It is suggested that resisting worldly desires like excessive eating, sleeping, and indulgence is a way to reduce the ego’s power and thus, help in spiritual purification.

Resisting temptations and worldly pleasures is equated to fighting the ego and a means of strengthening one's spiritual state and awareness of Allah.

The speaker explains that Prophet Muhammad’s lifestyle of moderation (e.g., eating and sleeping less) was a recommended way to avoid falling into the ego’s traps.

Self-control, including reducing unnecessary actions and indulgences, is emphasized as a way to prevent the ego from taking over one’s life.

There is a focus on the idea that even religious actions like prayer and fasting can be influenced by ego if not done with pure intentions, leading to pride or arrogance.

Avoiding places and situations that feed one's ego or lead to sin is highlighted as a key to keeping the ego under control.

Constant awareness of Allah’s presence and contemplating divine wisdom in everyday life are offered as ways to combat the ego and sinful tendencies.

Resisting sinful thoughts or actions when faced with temptation is seen as an act of spiritual fortification and a step toward controlling the ego.

The speaker concludes with the idea that all pleasures and worldly attachments are temporary, and one must always remember the ultimate reality of death and the afterlife to keep the ego in check.