Nafs has two meanings:

a. Passion or baser and lower self. Passion is a comprehensive word consisting of greed, anger and other evil attributes. The Prophet Sallallahu Alyhi Wa Sallam said: “Your greatest enemy is your passion lying by your two sides.”

b. 'Soul.' When Nafs assumes calmness and has removed passion, it is then termed Nafs Mutmainna or satisfied soul as Allah says: “0 satisfied soul, return to your Lord satisfied and satisfying him”-89: 27. In the first meaning, Nafs is with the, party of the devil.

When the calm nature of Nafs does not become perfect, it is called Nafs Lawwamah or self-accusing soul, as such a soul rebukes one for neglecting divine duties. If the soul gives up protests and surrenders itself to the devil, it is called Nafs Ammarah or passion addicted to evils. The Quran refers to this in verse 12:53.

~ IHYAA ~