Qur’an 75:2, 14–15 reveal a profound truth about the human soul.

Allah’s oath by the reproaching self shows that the soul already knows right from wrong and holds itself accountable. This is affirmed in verse 14: “Man is a witness against himself” he possesses inner awareness and insight into his own actions. As also stated in Quran 76:3

Yet verse 15 exposes human weakness: despite this clarity, a person still offers excuses, attempting to feign ignorance of what he knows to be wrong.

These verses teach that wrongdoing is not rooted in ignorance, but in self-deception. The soul knows; it is the ego that seeks escape.

May Allah strenghten our resolve.

Imagine Allah ﷻ has given you a plate.
A plate to fill with whatever you want.

This life is a buffet.

Every desire, every distraction, every act of worship—it’s all laid out for you to choose from.
You can take as much as you want, as often as you like.

But here’s the catch:

What you put on your plate directly feeds your nafs.
But which nafs are you feeding? 

Are you feeding the nafs al-ammarah—your lowest self?
The one that commands evil, is driven by impulse and desire, and resists challenge, change, and uncertainty?

'Indeed, the soul constantly commands evil, except for those upon whom my Lord has mercy.' (12:53)

Or are you feeding the nafs al-mutma’inna—your highest self?
The one content with Allah ﷻ and His decree, disciplined in righteousness?

'O tranquil soul! Return to your Lord, well pleased ˹with Him˺ and well pleasing ˹to Him˺.' (89:27-28)

If you want to starve your lower self, you have to feed your higher self.

And when you slip and overfeed the nafs al-ammarah— repent and reflect with your nafs al-lawwaama, the self that holds you accountable.

'And I swear by the self-reproaching soul.' (75:2)

Ask yourself:
'What’s on my plate that needs to be removed? 
And what can I replace it with to strengthen my nafs al-mutma’inna?'

The more you exercise your higher self, the stronger it becomes.
The more you nourish your nafs al-mutma’inna with good deeds and righteous influences, the healthier it will be.

Until overpowering your lower self is no longer a constant struggle—but your natural state.

So, what’s on your plate?

Wa iyyaka, may Allah ﷻ make it easy for you to continue to do so 🤲🏾 

Allah swears an oath by the self-reproaching soul. The soul that is kicking itself for the wrongs that it has done. This deep guilt is enough of a proof for the Day of Judgement. 

Guilt isn't something that is taught. People feel it naturally because Allah has instilled this moral alarm system within us that lets us know when we've done something wrong and that there should be consequences (whether we face them or not in this life). Many times, the guilt alone is enough of a punishment in this world but the ultimate consequence will be manifested on the Day of Recompense. 

#guilt
#regret

***
From an explanation by Nouman Ali Khan. I came across this channel the other day and it is great. It has playlists of explanations covering every surah, every ayah. (https://youtu.be/WLW7H2izRH4)