Sufi Classics · July 8, 2026

ʿālam al-nafs (Sufi Terminology)

The ʿālam al-nafs (the world of the nafs), is divided into two categories: obedient (mūṭīʿ, one who obeys) and disobedient (ʿāṣī, one who rebels). The obedient is generally referred to as both the ʿālam al-jabarūt (the …

The ʿālam al-nafs (the world of the nafs), is divided into two categories: obedient (mūṭīʿ, one who obeys) and disobedient (ʿāṣī, one who rebels). The obedient is generally referred to as both the ʿālam al-jabarūt (the world of jabarūt) and the ʿālam al-nafs. According to them, this is the barzakh; while the disobedient are those who are the enemies of this city. (Tadbīrāt, 154)

ʿālam al-nūrānī (the luminous world) poem

Every body has

a creation suited to its nature

it is called the luminous world