Know yourself from your own Book

Original article assembled by brother Irfan Shaikh

Introduction: A Shift in Understanding

For many years, I stopped giving talks. It wasn’t because I no longer had something to say; rather, I realized that the most important conversations were not the ones I had with others, but the ones I had with myself. In this period of introspection, I began to understand the value of silence and self-reflection. And that’s why today, I’m excited to share with you a subject that has been both encouraging and transformative for me.

Our topic for today is one that you might find new, but I believe it will resonate deeply and be both insightful and enjoyable: "Know Yourself" This topic is not just significant; it is fundamental to how we navigate our lives, our relationships, and our understanding of the world.

Chapter 1: The Unseen Self

We often hear about the concept of "self," but rarely do we stop to consider what it truly means. What is this "self" we speak of so often? In our pursuit of understanding who we are, we must begin by asking fundamental questions. The Quran offers a profound insight into this through a verse in Surah Al-Anbiya:

"لَقَدْ أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكُمْ كِتَابًا فِيهِ ذِكْرُكُمْ ۖ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ"

Indeed, We have sent down for you a Book in which is your mention. Then will you not reason? (Quran 21:10)

When I first reflected upon this verse, it struck me deeply. It speaks of a divine message, Al-Kitaab, which contains within it a reference to each one of us. It's not just a book of laws or stories; it’s a mirror that reflects who we are, if only we would take the time to reflect.

This verse led me to recall a famous saying in Arabic:

" مَن عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ فَقَدْ عَرَفَ رَبَّهُ."

Whoever knows his nafs (self) knows his Lord.

While this isn't a hadith, the saying carries a timeless truth. It emphasizes that knowing oneself is directly connected to knowing God. But how can we truly understand our nafs—our essence, our soul, our inner self? This is the journey we embark on today.

Chapter 2: The Concept of Taskiya-e-Nafs

You may have heard the term Taskiya-e-Nafs, often discussed in Islamic gatherings, which refers to the purification of the soul. While this term may not appear directly in the Quran, it holds significant importance in our spiritual journey. In one of my discussions with friends about health, we discussed the necessity of taking care of our bodies through exercise and daily activity. One of my close friends committed to working out regularly, and he meticulously tracks the hours he invests in his physical well-being.

When we loosely translate Taskiya-e-Nafs as merely the purification of the soul, we overlook its deeper meaning. The word Taskiya is derived from the Arabic root zakaa, which means to develop or to grow. We dedicate hours to our bodies to ensure they develop and thrive. So, I pose this question: How many minutes or hours do we invest in nurturing our nafs—our true self? It is critical for us to consider this.

In Arabic, one of the definitions of the human mind is nafs. We refer to it by various names, including rooh (spirit), soul, or simply nafs. Understanding what this nafs truly represents is essential for self-awareness. As I mentioned earlier, the Quran states, "In the Book, it is your mention" (Quran 21:10). If we seek to understand our nafs, we must turn to this Book — the Quran.

Regrettably, we often take the Quran lightly. The Urdu word tarjuma translates to "translation," but its root, rajam, implies taking something and throwing it away or altering its shape. This raises an important concern: how often does our tarjuma distort or obscure the Quran’s true meaning? Many of us may not invest enough effort to grasp the profound wisdom contained within this beautiful Book.

As we move forward, I will strive to present how we can identify and understand our psyche, our nafs, through the Quran's parables. The Quran itself states, "We have explained to you all kinds of parables."This signifies that the complexities of our inner selves are already addressed in the Quran, yet we often fail to recognize and comprehend them.

What I share with you today comes not from a place of preaching, but from my own journey of growth and understanding. The insights I’ve gained from studying the Quran have profoundly influenced my life, and I am eager to share this transformative experience with you.

Chapter 3: Overcoming Hindrances in Understanding the Quran

When it comes to the Quran, what stands as the biggest hindrance for many of us? Often, people claim that their inability to understand the language is a barrier. However, I pose this question: Do we require mastery of a language to comprehend any subject? For instance, just because I can read and understand English doesn’t mean I can grasp the laws of physics without studying them.

The issue isn't solely about language; it’s about the source of our knowledge. A friend once shared an insightful observation: the media has programmed a significant portion of the population in the United States to perceive events in such a way that even genocide does not register as genocide. Our programming shapes our thinking, and this applies to how we approach the Quran.

Is it essential to seek knowledge from scholars, we must ask ourselves: Is that enough? The Quran teaches us:“ الرَّحْمَـٰنُ (1) عَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ (2) خَلَقَ الْإِنْسَانَ” (Quran 55:1-2-3). The term Ar-Rahman refers to the All-Merciful, emphasizing that true understanding of the Quran comes from Him. He will guide us through our journey of learning ie Quran and help us develop our character Khalaq which means ikhlaq & we become Insaan the man with perception & thinking in such a ways we cannot even imagine.

When we pick up any book, what do we first look for? The subject matter. If I want to read fiction, I choose a fiction book; if I’m interested in thrillers, I seek out a book in that genre. But have we ever paused to consider the subject of the Quran? Have we approached it with the same level of discernment?

Unfortunately, various interpretations cloud our understanding of the Quran's primary subject. Many of us declare it a book of guidance, while others insist it is a book of miracles, like Rashad Khalifa's assertion about the miracle of number 19. Some label it a scientific text. Yet, few delve into its core message.

For example, certain extremists will highlight verses about jihad to justify their actions, asserting that the Quran advocates for the establishment of specific laws. Everyone seems to have their own perspective, shaped by personal experiences and beliefs. But what is the fundamental message of the Quran?

In the Quran, we find the verse: “ الم ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِلْمُتَّقِينَ”. This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah”* (Quran 2:1-2). Notice that it does not mention Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, or the followers of any particular religion. Instead, it addresses the *Muttaqeen those who are conscious of the one God.

The Quran does not categorize individuals as Muslims, disbelievers, or hypocrites; those divisions are human constructs. We label ourselves as Muslims, while others are deemed non-believers or hypocrites, creating sects based on our interpretations, such as Sunni and Shia. In reality, the Quran speaks to our mindset. It challenges us to consider our current state: Are we aligned with truth, are we hiding from it, or are we at peace with ourselves?

For example, the term “Mumin” means someone who provides security and peace. Now, if someone carries out an act of violence in the name of jihad, can that person be called a Mumin? Clearly not, as this action contradicts the very meaning of the word. The book Quran is about Man's / Adam's-nafs, Naas,- Agitated mindset, Ins- perceptive thinking mind, Jinns- hidden mindset, Bashar-Receptive mindset, Nisa- our Urge & weaknesses, Rajul- our strength to carry our own weight of thoughts, Rabb - Our Consciousness.

To truly understand the Quran, we must go deeper. I want to share with you how I interpret the Quran in a practical, personal way—how I bring its words and characters to life in my daily life. Let’s take Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as an example. Many people today idolize him in outward ways—by growing a long beard, adopting certain hairstyles, or following specific sleeping and eating habits. But have we truly understood him according to the Quran?

Before he became a prophet, Muhammad was called Amin—the trustworthy one. This title comes from Mumin and Amanat, meaning security. One of his famous actions was when the Kaaba was damaged by a flood, and the tribes argued about who should place the first stone. Prophet Muhammad solved the problem by suggesting that all tribes hold the cloth that carried the stone together, ensuring everyone participated in the honor. His wisdom and common sense prevented conflict. Even when people threw stones at him, he did not react violently. He embodied peace.

In our own lives, we face similar challenges, though on a different scale. Prophet Muhammad represents Common Sense as he was man of Simplicity who fought against ignorance, symbolized by his struggle with Abu Jahl. We, too, must fight the ignorance within ourselves. We must battle the ego, represented by Abu Lahab, using our common sense and inner strength. Prophet Muhammad’s life is a model for how we can overcome our inner enemies, not just external ones.

Similarly, when the Quran speaks about Malaika(angels), it refers to beings who are ready to accept and obey God's commands. We need to bring this attitude to life within ourselves, being ready to follow divine guidance. When the Quran talks about Adam, it describes how he returned to Allah after making a mistake. Likewise, we must always strive to return to the right path after our missteps.

Another profound example is Prophet Ibrahim. The Quran says, “Take the place of Ibrahim as a place of prayer” (Quran 2:125). The word Maqam means “status” or “rank,” and Musalla refers to two horses running side by side. So, this verse tells us to follow Ibrahim’s status and character closely.

وَأَمْنًۭا وَٱتَّخِذُوا۟ مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمَ مُصَلًّۭى ۖ

Take the Status of Ibrahim to be closely followed

Prophet Ibrahim questioned everything this is how we understand is character — Ibrahim question his father, his tribe, to his own self and even the God. He did not stop questioning until he found inner peace and conviction.

We should adopt this mindset of questioning everything in our lives. The Quran encourages us to reflect on its verses and not follow blindly. Just as Ibrahim sought satisfaction in his beliefs, we too should seek understanding until we are at peace with what we believe.

In this way, the Quran teaches us how to bring the characters of the prophets to life in our daily struggles. By adopting their qualities, we can transform ourselves and become better versions of who we are.

The Greece Encounter: Bridging Minds Through Jesus

During my tour to Greece, I was looking forward to meeting my ex-boss, a man with strong opinions against Muslims, shaped by the complex history between Greece and Turkey. The Greek Genocide, orchestrated by the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) party and later compounded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s Turkish Nationalist Movement, had left deep scars on the Greek consciousness. These events often became the lens through which Greeks viewed Muslims, especially Turks. My ex-boss was no exception.

Back in the days when we worked together, our interactions were civil, but our beliefs often clashed. He would sit at his desk, sipping wine, while I read the Quran quietly at mine. One day, he brought his Bible to me and initiated a conversation about Jesus. What began as a casual discussion blossomed into an intellectual exchange. We would sit together, discussing the Bible and the figure of Jesus. His fascination with Jesus’ miracles intrigued me, and I used it as a bridge to offer the Islamic perspective.

When I met him in Greece years later, I reminded him of those discussions about Jesus, specifically the miracles attributed to him in the Bible. He agreed, affirming how Jesus, in Christian belief, brought the dead back to life and healed the sick. I then offered him a broader interpretation of Jesus’ miracles as described in the Quran, asking him to reflect on which portrayal of Jesus he found more profound.

I explained that while the Christian Jesus healed the leper, even today’s modern doctors can treat leprosy. The deeper miracle of the Jesus as per Quran, however, lies in his ability to heal communities—the societal “lepers” who were marginalized and denied their rights. It wasn't just about physical healing but the restoration of dignity and equality to those considered lesser by society.

Similarly, while Christian tradition emphasizes that Jesus made the blind see, modern science, with innovations like Elon Musk’s Neuralink, is working towards restoring vision to those born blind. But the Jesus, as depicted in the Quran, opened the eyes of people to higher truths—reviving their dead mentalities, lifting them from ignorance, and awakening their sense of justice and morality.

My ex-boss was intrigued by this interpretation might be for Bible as well because our religious book are full of Idioms & metaphoric parables. He agreed that the Quran’s approach, where Jesus healed societal wounds and divisions, carried a more profound significance. It wasn’t just about physical miracles, but about transforming mindsets and healing the deeper afflictions within society.

This conversation served as a metaphor for how we should approach the Quran as a whole. While many focus on literal interpretations, the deeper meanings often lie in societal reform, self-awareness, and personal growth. The Quran challenges us to raise our mentality and overcome the divisions we create—whether they are based on caste, status, or belief. These divisions, like blindness and disease, are still alive in our minds today.

The Miracle of Broader Understanding

The conversation with my ex-boss also helped me realize that many of us are still blind, not in the literal sense, but in our refusal to raise our awareness and embrace a higher understanding of equality and humanity. We often view others through the narrow lens of prejudice, much like how historical events colour perspectives. In reality, we are still following a dead mentality—a spiritual blindness—by seeing ourselves as superior and others as inferior.

When we study the Quran, we need to shift from viewing it as a book of laws, miracles, or rigid doctrines and instead focus on its ultimate message: societal healing, self-development, and the betterment of humanity. Jesus’ miracles, when interpreted through this wider lens, serve as a reminder that the true miracle is in transforming the human mind and soul.

Conclusion: Raising Mentality Beyond Division

The message of the Quran calls for the elevation of human consciousness, moving beyond rigid divisions of caste, creed, and status. My ex-boss, once a staunch critic of Islam, began to see that the teachings of the Quran and the figure of Jesus within Islam can be applied to address the very divisions and prejudices he held.

The conversation we shared in Greece became more than just a reunion; it was an opportunity to break through misconceptions and encourage a broader understanding of religious teachings. It demonstrated that the miracles of Jesus, as mentioned in the Quran, transcend time. They are not confined to the physical realm but extend into the moral and societal dimensions, challenging us to heal the divisions within our own communities and within ourselves.

Chapter 4: The Spirit of Moses in Business

unning a business is much like navigating the sea, where waves of challenges and opportunities keep coming. For the past ten years, I have been an entrepreneur, and it has been a journey full of ups and downs, profits and losses. There was a time when I found myself in deep financial trouble, facing a loss of millions. I gathered my family and told them we might face difficult consequences but assured them to have faith—we would recover.

In one of the most challenging moments, I called all my employees together. I shared a story from the Quran, an incident that resonates deeply with me: the story of Prophet Moses. Moses led his people to the edge of the sea, with the Pharaoh and his army in pursuit. His people doubted him, saying they were trapped between the sea and their enemies. But Moses never lost faith, and he didn’t let fear or doubt cloud his judgment.

I told my employees that we, too, had journeyed far together over the past decade, growing the business with our collective effort. I reminded them that I had supported them, and if they ever felt this was the end and they needed to leave, they were free to do so. But I had faith that just as Moses overcame his challenge, we would also find a way through this difficult time.

Why was I so confident? Because I had internalized the character of Moses. I never let the Pharaoh—a symbol of tyranny, greed, and oppression—overpower me. I’ve always believed in giving more than taking, and never took from others what wasn’t mine.

To me, running a business isn’t about hoarding wealth. If the business is like a river, I don’t collect water in buckets for myself. Instead, I ensure the water flows equally, benefiting everyone around me. Even if just a drop comes back to me, it is enough. This is how I understand the Quran, and this is how I allow its characters to live within me.

The Quran is a beautiful book, not just for religious guidance but for addressing the human psyche. The word “deen” often gets misinterpreted. People say it’s a way of life, but I believe it means “payback” or “giving back.” Just like Madina was a city under obligation, we are also under Obligation from our Creator who has bless us with what we are today, we must first establish Madina within our minds—this state of giving and paying back to others from what we have got. When we realize that our life, health, wealth, strength, and everything else are given to us by Allah, we understand our obligation to give back to system under our obligation towards God.

We must establish this "deen" first in our own mindset, before trying to establish it in the world around us. And to do this, we must embody the true meaning of “abd”—to lower ourselves in humility, as slaves of God. If we do not lower our ego, how can we truly say we are the servants of God?

This is how I navigate both life and business, keeping the spirit of Moses alive in me.

The Inner Book: Awakening Consciousness and the True Meaning of Rizk

When I was asked to speak on a certain topic, I decided to speak from the heart—specifically, how I interpret the Quran. When I read "Alif Laam Meem, ZaalikalKitaab," I see it referring not only to the Quran but to a much broader reality. "Kitaab" means something that is collected, a compilation, and this world is also a vast collection of signs, knowledge, and experiences. Similarly, within each of us, there is a "kitaab"—a collection of thoughts, our internal book.

"Zaalikal Kitaab" refers to a book with no doubt. While we may never fully know what's in another person's mind, we have no doubt about what’s in our own thoughts, our internal book. That’s why "La Raiba" applies: there is no doubt in this collection of our thoughts. However, this inner guidance will only emerge when we use our mind consciously, when we approach it with awareness.

When the Quran says, "Allazeena Yuminuna BilGhaib," it is calling us to have faith in the unseen, in the "ghaib"—and our thoughts our ideas themselves are part of that unseen. We must establish communication ie Salat with our thoughts, for if we fail to do so, we will not receive "rizk," or sustenance to distribute to others.

If we nurture this communication, our thoughts will be enlightened, and we will come to understand that figures like Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Ibrahim must live within us. Their presence in our thoughts will bring us true sustenance, which is not only material but spiritual. With this "rizk," we are empowered to help others, and in doing so, we help ourselves. Only by sharing this sustenance can we truly fulfil the essence of what the Quran teaches.