The nafs( your self) is categorized in to 3 levels in Islamic teaching. The lowest level is nafs al ammarah= the commanding self. It incites a person to evil adn tempts them towards sinful desires. In the Quran it says: indeed th Seoul is ever inclined to evil, except those upon whom my Lord has mercy.” Surah Yusuf’s aya 53. So lowest level, the person sins, doesn’t feel regret, and th need to repent.
second self is nafs al Lawwamma= the self reproaching soul. This nafs represent a state of inner conflict, where a person feels guilt and remorse for their wrongdoings, inspiring them too repent. “ heaven is filled with people that have sinnnd and repented.”
highest level of ads is nafsal Mutmainnah = the tranquil soul. This soul is at peace with itself and fully submissive to Allahs will. Quran it says: “ o tranquil soul,return to your lord well pleased and pleasing to him.” Surah fair aya 27-28
so controlling the nafs is essential to our spiritual journey because it is the battlefield where we Sri the to overcome our base desires, refine out characherte adn ascend towards nearness of Allah.
Divine Discoveries 