The nafs

The nafs is a subtle and complex entity that has many aspects and dimensions. It is not a single unit that can be easily defined or described. It is a composite of various elements, some of which are spiritual, some psychological, some physical, some rational, some emotional, some instinctive.

Nafs is also related to other concepts such as ruh (spirit), qalb (heart), sirr (secret), khafi (hidden), akhfa (most hidden), aql (intellect), and fitrah (natural disposition). 

The nafs is constantly in need of purification and refinement, for it is prone to contamination and corruption by the influences of the environment, the society, the culture, and the history in which it lives. The nafs is also subject to the temptations of Satan, who whispers to it and tries to mislead it from the straight path.