How is Tazkiyah undertaken ?

Main Topic

The vital importance of adhering to the Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam and undergoing Tazkiyatun-Nafs (purification of the soul) through spiritual reformation (Islah).

Key Lessons

• The Sunnah must never be trivialized or dismissed during times of global crisis; Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wasallam diligently established and upheld the Sunnah even in times of war, exile, and severe hardship.
• Tazkiyah is a primary function of Prophethood aimed at cleansing the heart from internal diseases such as anger, miserliness, vanity (ujub), and love of dunya.
• Spiritual reformation requires sincere submission to a qualified Sheikh who can prescribe individualized remedies to humble and break the ego (nafs).
• Guarding Islamic identity and Aqeedah is essential against modern fitnahs, including interfaith syncretism that compromises core tenets of faith.

Quranic/Hadith References

• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:129) / Surah Ali 'Imran (3:164): The dua of Ibrahim Alayhis Salam and its fulfillment regarding the sending of a Messenger to recite verses, teach the Book and wisdom, and purify them (yuzakkihim).
• Hadith of Ashura: The command to fast an extra day alongside the 10th of Muharram to maintain distinction from non-Muslim practices.
• Hadith regarding Al-Musbil: Severe warnings for those who drag their garments below their ankles out of pride, including exclusion from special forgiveness on the 15th of Sha'ban.
• Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:51, 5:82): Verses highlighting the distinction between believers and non-believers and warning against taking non-Muslims as protective allies at the expense of Deen.

Practical Advice

• Never minimize or criticize any Sunnah; view any unpracticed Sunnah in your life as a personal weakness to be corrected.
• Refrain from judging or looking down upon other Muslims, as individuals may be practicing hidden or devotional Sunnahs that outweigh outward appearances.
• Connect with a pious spiritual guide (Sheikh) for personal Islah and follow their practical remedies to treat spiritual diseases like anger, pride, and attachment to wealth.