Labib Mahfuj Chisty
The true destiny of man is not limited to the boundaries of birth, life, and death. Man is a spiritual explorer, the heir to the light of Adam, who travels in search of ultimate beauty, in search of Allah’s pleasure, and on the path of highest spiritual excellence. This journey transforms man into Insan-e-Kamel, the perfect man. Sufism, the esoteric spiritual stream of Islam, has organized and sequenced this journey into seven stages or levels. Each stage is an inner revolution, an ascension of the soul, and a projection of the soul. In this article, we will explain those seven stages from the perspective of Sufi saints, which include the technique of lighting the inner darkness, the pursuit of purifying the soul, and an eternal desire to unite with Allah.
1st stage: Nafs-e-Ammara (primitive state of the soul)
This is the animalistic state of the soul, where the soul becomes a worshiper of instincts. Greed, anger, pride, desire, jealousy – at this stage, people are driven by them. This is where the battle of self-purification begins. Sufis say that at this stage the soul remains asleep, unaware of its true light.
Process of practice: Tawbah (repentance), Dhikr (remembrance), regular voluntary prayers, self-criticism, taking guidance from a spiritual master.
Sufi saying: He who knows his soul, knows Allah.
2nd stage: Nafs-e-Lawama (stage of self-reproach)
At this stage, the soul learns to understand its mistakes. The fight against instincts begins. But here, along with self-realization, comes self-reproach, regret for one’s bad habits, sins, and pride. Here the soul stands in front of the mirror.
Process of practice: Muhasaba (self-assessment), Riyazat (practice and restraint), Muraqaba (meditation and observation).
Sufi perspective: At this stage, a person understands his mistakes, but does not achieve complete control. Therefore, patience is the key here.
Stage 3: Nafs-e-Mu’lhima (Inspiring Soul)
Nafs-e-Mu’lhima is the stage where the soul gradually begins to receive ilham or spiritual inspiration from Allah. It knows which actions lead it towards Allah and which actions take it away. Here the soul gradually moves towards the light.
Signs: Peace of mind in the remembrance of Allah, reduction of worldly attraction, inclination towards spirituality, sense of guidance in the inner world.
Process of practice: Shukar (gratitude), silent meditation, surrender, company of the righteous.
4th stage: Nafs-e-Mutmainna (calm soul)
At this stage, the soul reaches its true nature. Now it has no fear of the world, no fear of death, but rather complete trust and love for Allah. The soul has conquered its own greed, fear, and desires. This is the mature state where contentment (being content with Allah’s decision) becomes the nature of the soul.
Process of practice: Tawakkul (trust in Allah), Salatul Layl (Tahajjud), Istighfar and self-control, service to the Shaykh and sincerity.
5th stage: Nafs-e-Razia (satisfied soul)
At this stage, the soul reaches a beauty where it is content with its own state. In everything that happens in the world, it sees signs of Allah’s command and wisdom. It has no complaints. Sacrifice is not a hardship for it, but a joy. Love is not torture for it, but a submission.
Sufi perspective: This is the deepest stage of love. At this stage, the seeker considers the glitter of the world as a toy, the soul seeks true happiness in the presence of Allah.
6th stage: Nafs-e-Mardiya (Soul pleased with Allah)
This is the stage where not only the soul is pleased, but Allah is also pleased with it. Reaching this stage means gaining Allah’s pleasure. The soul is now the spokesman of Allah, whatever it says it says by Allah’s command, whatever it does it does by Allah’s will.
Characteristics: Miracles or miracles are manifested, the heart is filled with the love of Allah, every action becomes worship.
Sufi saying: Insan-e-Kamel does not disappear by itself, but rather divine qualities are revealed within it.
7th stage: Nafs-e-Kamelah (Completely Perfect Soul — Insan-e-Kamel)
At this stage, a person becomes truly Insan-e-Kamel. Here the soul does not disappear, but rather remains eternal in the state of Baqa Billah. That is, it remains one with Allah, but returns to the created world, for the service of humanity. They have seen Allah and returned to the world and become the Caliphs of Allah.
Characteristics: Source of wise speech and knowledge, people around them benefit from the fragrance of the soul, the world is overwhelmed by their love, they emerge as spiritual guides or pirs.
Examples: Hazrat Ali (a.s.), Hazrat Bayazid Bostami (rah.), Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (rah.), Hazrat Rumi (rah.), Hazrat Hallaj (rah.).
The journey from human to human is not just about following external rules; it is an internal revolution. At every step, there is a deep philosophy of self-sacrifice, self-conquest, love and dissolution. This journey is not easy, but its reward is eternal. Becoming human means seeing Allah, union with Allah, and eternal establishment in Allah’s love.
In today’s era, the importance of this spiritual journey is even greater. Leaving behind the mechanical, the despair, the confusion – when a soul-searching person traverses these seven steps of the Sufi path, he becomes an ‘ideal man’ – a living verse, a lover, a caliph. Journey in the love of Allah. Know the soul, and find the shadow of Allah within it.