The “I”—it is only one letter, yet it is so important that it is capitalized in the English language. Thus, it is not surprising that the “I” is often associated with the ego. But what is the ego? In simple psychological terms, it is the sense of self that connects a person to the outside world.

In Islamic psychology, the ego, psyche or self is often referred to in Arabic as the nafs. It is defined as the inner self that encompasses the soul, desires and emotions. There are different stages or types of the self, or nafs. There is the lower self (nafs al-ammāra), which represents selfish desires; the reproaching self (nafs al-lawwāma), which is associated with self-awareness and remorse; and the tranquil self (nafs al-muṭmaʾinnah), which is the peaceful, and content self. This final state is when one is satisfied with the Divine will. A person with a tranquil soul is no longer ruled by the ego. Rather, they seek to obtain the Lord’s pleasure in everything they do; therefore, the “I” no longer exists.

To comprehend this pure state, we look to the saints. In Islam, the Prophets and the 12 A’immah (successors after Prophet Muhammad) are regarded as individuals who embodied the tranquil self. Imam Hasan ibn ‘Ali al-Askari, the 11th Imam among the12 and the great-grandson of Prophet Muhammad, demonstrated absolute selflessness. Imam Hasan al-Askari lived during three Abbasid caliphs before being poisoned at the age of 28 by the third caliph, al-Mu‘tamid. Throughout his short life, he endured harsh conditions: either under strict surveillance, house arrest or imprisoned multiple times due to the caliph’s baseless fear of him. The Imam’s goal was not to overthrow the regime. Rather, as a viceregent of the Lord, his mission was to guide humankind toward God and goodness. He consistently demonstrated this commitment through his actions.

On one occasion, the Imam was imprisoned with his brother Ja‘far, known by the epithet al-Kadhdhāb (“The Liar”). He gained this label because he falsely claimed the Imamate (leadership) for himself after Imam Hasan al-Askari, although it had, in fact, been designated for Imam al-Askari’s son, al-Mahdi, the 12th and final Imam or leader successor.

During their imprisonment, a prison guard notified Imam Hasan al-Askari that the caliph ordered his release. A mule was outside and the Imam could depart. The Imam already aware of this, went out, mounted the mule, but did not leave. After some time, the guard approached him, puzzled as to why he was still there. The Imam replied that he would not leave without his brother. He said, “We were in the house when we were arrested together. I do not want to return home without him.”

Despite the fact that Ja‘far had opposed him and caused confusion in society by falsely claiming leadership, the Imam still insisted on his brother’s release. The guard explained that the order was for the Imam’s release, not Ja‘far’s. However, Imam Hasan al-Askari told him to inform the caliph that he would not depart unless his brother was freed. The caliph conveyed the message that Ja‘far had been imprisoned because of his actions against the Imam, but will release him because of al-Askari’s request. Subsequently, the brothers rode home together on the mule.

Though, Imam Hasan al-Askari knew his brother opposed him, he never allowed his ego or personal feelings to prevent him from extending kindness and compassion to his sibling. There was no “I” but truly a “we.” Muslims celebrated the birth anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Askari this month honoring his noble life while he reminds us that our existence is towards pursuing a tranquil soul. God mentions in the Holy Qur’an the rewards in the hereafter for the righteous who achieve this in this world: “O tranquil soul! Return to your Lord, well pleased ‘with Him’ and well pleasing ‘to Him.’ So join My servants, and enter My Paradise!” (89:27-30)

This is a contributed opinion column. Fatima Kermalli holds a master’s deagree in Islamic Studies, is a Sunday School teacher and member of the Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Pennsylvania in Allentown. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication.

https://www.mcall.com/2025/10/18/faith-values-total-tranquility-requires-conquering-ones-ego/