The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam — Page 5
Second Source: Nafsi Lawwāmah, the Reproving Self 5 The source of the moral state of man is designated by the Holy Quran Nafsi Lawwāmah, as is said: 12 ولا أُقْسِمُ بِالنَّفْسِ التَّوَّامَةِ " That is, I call to witness the reproving self; that is to say, I call to witness the self that reproves itself for every vice and intemperance. This reproving self is the second source of human state from which the moral state is generated. At this stage man ceases to resemble the animals. Calling it to witness is for the purpose of doing it honour, as if by advancing from the state of the self that is prone to evil and arriving at the state of the reproving self, it has become worthy of honour in divine estimation. It is so called as it reproves man on vice and is not reconciled to man's submitting to his natural desires and leading an unbridled existence like the animals. It desires that man should be in a good state and should practise good morals, and no kind of intemperance should be manifested in any aspect of human life, and natural emotions and desires should be regulated by reason. 12. And I do call to witness the self-accusing soul (The Holy Quran, al- Qiyamah 75:3)