An Analysis of Najm Razi’s Approach Toward the Concupiscent Soul (al-Nafs al-Ammara) According to Mirsad al-Ibad

One of the main intellectual concerns in Shari'ah, ethics, and mysticism has been the fighting against the concupiscent soul, and mystical wayfarers have been advised to engage in this spiritual Battle (Jihad) by following certain suggested methods. By a special and comparatively unique approach in Mirsad al-Ibad, Najm Razi discusses about interaction with the soul and its qualities. The author of present paper has tried by qualitative analysis and description of content, to elucidate Razi's thought-lines in the struggle against the concupiscent soul. The research findings demonstrate that Razi believe in moderate treatment and cautious dealing with the concupiscent soul and he think that any extreme or careless behaviors in confront with the concupiscent soul would be a loss for the mystic followers. He believes that the concupiscent soul is not naturally the main cause of evils and sins, and that the reprehensible traits in the soul have been implanted there in accordance with the dictates of both divine wisdom and human expediency. Furthermore, Razi thinks that the essence of the human soul is capable of transformation; in a way that it's straying from God makes the soul command to the evils, and turning to God put the soul in the path of assurance.