Hawwa, Muadh Saʿid. “Reason and its Impact on Tazkiyyat al-Nafs (Purification of the Self): An Introduction in the Need to Develop the Science of Tazkiyyah on Solid Facts,” Year 14, Issue 54 (Fall 1429 AH/ 2008 CE), Pp. 63-104.

Abstract

Muadh Hawwa’s article presents problematic issues in the absence of intellectual thought concerning the science of tazkiyyah. It discusses this issue within a set of themes that constitute a central belief-based foundation for tazkiyyah, including: the meaning of tazkiyyat al-nafs (purification of the self) and its importance and impact on society, and the meaning of ʿaql (reason) and its function and purification. It addresses tazkiyyah from a reason-based perspective and within the following themes: learning and understanding the accurate matters of imān (belief or faith) is the basis for attaining imān; there is no tazkiyyah without proper belief; the Qur'an in regard to ʿaqīdah (belief) and rulings pertaining tazkiyyah al-nafs; and highlighting the rationality of tazkiyyah in its different aspects.