The concept of "nafs" (self, soul, or ego)

The concept of "nafs" (self, soul, or ego) as an object of worship or idolatry is discussed in Islamic spirituality and philosophy, particularly in Sufism and classical Islamic thought. "Nafs" refers to the lower self, the desires and impulses that can lead a person away from moral and spiritual purity if not controlled or disciplined.

The idea of making the "nafs" one's "god" is a metaphor for a person who becomes overly consumed by their own desires, self-interest, and ego, elevating these base instincts above higher moral or spiritual values. This concept is often used in Islamic ethics and mysticism to caution against self-idolatry, where a person worships their own desires and materialistic tendencies, rather than striving toward self-purification and devotion to Allah.

In Islamic thought, the person who makes their "nafs" their god is seen as someone who has abandoned the guidance of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad's teachings, choosing to follow their own selfish desires. This is warned against in the Quran and Hadith:

1. Quranic Reference:
• Surah Al-Furqan (25:43): "Have you seen the one who has taken as his god his own desire? Then would you be a guardian over him?"
• This verse implies that when someone follows their desires blindly, they effectively make those desires their "god" in the sense that they serve them above all else.
2. Hadith:
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, "Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body, and if it is sound, the whole body is sound, but if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. That piece of flesh is the heart." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
• The heart, when consumed by the desires of the nafs, leads a person astray from the righteous path, turning them toward self-worship.

In conclusion, the "person who made the nafs his god" represents an individual who has allowed their ego and base desires to dominate their life, leading them away from spiritual growth and moral righteousness. This is a cautionary concept in Islamic spirituality about the dangers of self-centeredness and the need for inner discipline and devotion to Allah.