تہذیبِ نفس کا اسلامی منہج:مولانا رومی کے افکار کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ

The Islamic Approach to Soul Purification: An Analytical Study of Maulana Rumi’s Thoughts

Abstract

This paper presents an analytical exploration of the Islamic concept of soul purification (تزکیۂ نفس) through the lens of Maulana Rumi's philosophical and spiritual insights. Drawing on his seminal works—Fīhi Mā Fīhi, Maktūbāt, Majālis-i Sabʿa, Dīwān-i Shams, and Masnavī Ma‘navī—this study examines the interplay between self-discipline, inner purification, and spiritual development. Key themes include the nature of the self (نفس), desire (شہوت), self-delusion (فریبِ نفس), repentance (توبہ), contemplation of death (فکرِ موت), and attaining closeness to Allah (وصول الی اللہ), all of which constitute the essential pillars of Rumi’s teachings on spiritual refinement. Rumi’s approach to soul purification integrates Islamic jurisprudence (Sharīʿah), Qur’anic ethics, and Prophetic traditions (Sunnah), emphasizing the need for self-awareness, detachment from material distractions, and reliance on divine guidance. He metaphorically describes the self as a raging fire of unchecked desires, which, if not controlled through disciplined action and spiritual introspection, can lead to moral decay. This paper explores how Rumi’s teachings provide a systematic framework for overcoming spiritual and moral weaknesses, offering timeless solutions to contemporary ethical dilemmas. In addition to Rumi’s own writings, this research engages with classical Sufi interpretations and contemporary scholarly analyses to contextualize his model of self-purification within the broader Islamic intellectual tradition. By bridging classical mysticism with modern spiritual and ethical challenges, this paper contributes to the discourse on Islamic moral philosophy, self-discipline, and personal transformation. The findings underscore the enduring relevance of Rumi’s philosophy, demonstrating how his insights into soul purification can serve as a practical guide for achieving inner harmony, ethical integrity, and spiritual enlightenment in today’s world. The study ultimately advocates for a revival of classical Islamic spiritual teachings as a means to address contemporary psychological and moral crises.