None touch (comprehend) it except the purified.

SELF DEVELOPMENT BY QURAN

Researcher

Masood Butt
MA (Econ), MBA, GDL, LPC

This manuscript is Copyright Masood Butt and protected under UK and international law.
This manuscript is intended as introduction to ideas only. It should not be treated as a definitive guide, nor should it be
considered to cover every area of concern, or be regarded as religious or legal advice.
Protected under Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
MB 2014

Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 1

The subject of this paper is development of the self in accordance with Quran. The
reasons behind this attempt are manifold including but not exclusive to amongst
others to provide a practical approach to understanding the self and how to become
a positive thinking, practical and contributing individual with owning
responsibility of own actions and being aware of consequences of own actions, to
help the individual to understand the complexities of daily living, its temptations
and how to make it easy for a ordinary person to make the best use of revealed
scripture the Quran. It also aims to create awareness of those values which
distinguish between animal and embark on becoming a human in Quranic sense.
The author makes no claims for authenticity or truthfulness of opinions contained
herein save the original text quoted from the holy Quran and merely provides an
opportunity to share with the reader the ideas and accumulated knowledge of
authors own so that it gives an inspiration to develop further interest in this area
and with hope that not all is lost and there is much more to be achieved and gained
from all of the resources around us.
However where the writing becomes difficult for the reader to comprehend the
concept or challenges his/her established beliefs or fails to satisfy the mind there is
no obligation on any such person to follow or agree with the contents herein and
one must feel free to undertake his/her own further research and share own
findings with others so that the collective knowledge of society is developed.
One would however need to have basic ability to read and understand the Quran
and accept its authenticity as a revealed scripture with the purpose to guide the
human race for its survival, growth, peace and continuous development to
appreciate and benefit from what is to follow.
What is the purpose of human life and why are we born is a question which does
emerge once in every rightful thinking mind and has been the case since the time
known to us.

The answer to this question has been sought after by many

philosophers and theologists in the history of humankind. However more recent

Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 2

scientific studies have discovered some interesting facts or have formed such
hypothesises which have made the human development and self-development a
more acceptable topic even within the corporate and industrial sector.
Consequently the allocation of state resources is now actively sought to ensure
human development as a capital for more productive, cohesive and responsible
society. Unfortunately such efforts only aim to have competitive tendencies for
utilising humans as factors of production and focusing only on profitability and
marketability of such programmes and policies hence totally bypassing the need
for the development of independent, self-evaluating, self-regulating and
responsible individuals comprehending Divine laws.
Due to the wider access to information and humongous research papers it is now
possible for ordinary folks to access variety of written material with little effort by
way of having access to the internet. However serious work is needed to promote
self-development in Muslims residing in the West to help them understand
complex issues in an easy to understand way so that they could prepare themselves
for challenges of the world ahead with confidence and knowledge.
The known life is a product of cause and effect and Muslims relate the ultimate
cause of life to Almighty Allah. Just like any manufacturer would know the
purpose for which the product is designed for, the intended benefits of the product,
its shortfalls in the manufacture and safety issues as well as maximum expiry date,
it is same basic concept which Muslims would associate with the creation of
Humans by Almighty Allah. Only the manufacturer therefore has the right to
publish the product guidance which makes its usage safe. This is where Muslims
believe that the Quran is such source of guidance which ensures world peace by
developing productive, responsible and accountable society adhering to Quranic
Laws. Islam prohibits obedience to anyone but laws of Allah, which sourced from
Quran are enforced by a group of people (Government/State) accountable to Allah
and for the welfare and prosperity of all forms of life.
Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 3

A clarification needs to be made here for prevailing misconception in the world

amongst Muslims and non-Muslims alike that Islam was introduced by Prophet
Muhammad. There is plenty of evidence in the Quran to suggest otherwise for
example;

Do you know what Jacob said to his children at the time of his death? He asked
them whose authority they would accept after him. They said that they would
remain obedient to the Laws of Allah as did his forefathers Abraham, Ishmael and
Isaac, one God. And we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.

That was a nation which has passed on. It will have [the consequence of] what it
earned, and you will have what you have earned. And you will not be asked about
what they used to do.

Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 4

It is stated that such were the forbears of the Jews each one living his life
according to Allahs Laws. Now they assume that merely on the basis of being the
offspring of such worthy ancestors they will be blessed with the same bounties of
life. Say to them: Actions produce their own results which cannot be inherited.
Your ancestors reaped the fruits of what they sowed and you will reap what you
have sown. On the Day of Judgement you will be questioned about your own deeds
and not about the deeds of your forbears.

They (Jews and Christians) say: You can be considered to be following the right
path only if you follow our way. Tell them: Why do you not invite people to
follow Ibrahims way? Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian (3/66). He was a
true follower of the Divinely Ordained Path and did not associate anyone
with Allah.

Tell them: We believe in Allah and in that Code of Life which He has sent us
(through this Rasool). Essentially, this Code of life is like the ones which, in earlier
times, were given to Ibrahim, Ismael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Jesus and in fact all

Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 5

the other Anbia (messangers). We believe that each of them was a part of the same
series and make no distinction amongst them as Anbia and we are Muslims
This is our Eiman.
So one must understand from the above that Islam and Muslims are not to be
misunderstood by the prevailing Islam in the world today but what the Quran
introduces and this has been its chosen path since the advent of sending
messengers to tell people the benefits of living the life under a code of law.
Another common mistake made by Muslims in general and non- Muslims is to try
to understand Islam through practices of existing so called habitants of Muslim
countries and people born in Muslims families.
Quran does not define a Muslim but provides an introduction to the concept and
invites everyone to reflect that understanding through individual and collective
deeds, as it dictates that deeds form the seeds to prove ones creed. So accordingly
it provides in 5/69 that

Indeed, those who have believed and those who were Jews or Sabeans or
Christians - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did
righteousness - no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 6

The Jews believe that paradise is reserved for the Bani-Israel and the Christians
believe that the Messiah atoned for their sins. O Rasool, tell them that this is their
vain imagining. Allahs Law is that any person from amongst:
1. Jews, Christians, Sabaeans;
2. Those who believe in Allah without formally adopting any particular religion;
and
3. Those who are Muslim only by virtue of being born in a Muslim family (4/136;
57/28)
Whoever believes in Allahs Law of consequences as stated in the Quran and leads
life accordingly will be duly compensated. Such persons will lead a life of
heavenly bliss, free of fear, grief and anxiety (2/62).
Further it is provided in Quran 3/19;

Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the
Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous

Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 7

animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah ,

then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account.
This is Islam i.e. the only Deen prescribed by Allah for all humanity. This was
given also to the earlier Anbia but their followers created differences through
mutual jealously. Allahs Law of Mukafat is that whoever rejects the Divine
Guidance, Allah is Swift in calling him to account.
So Islam accordingly has been a chosen Deen of Allah for all humans of all times
and same message was repeated by all Prophets. The variation in practices and the
deviation from the true message has resulted in forming three main religions and
its several sub sects in Judaism, Christianity and Islam as people know them today.
Further the Quran in 3/83 provides;

So is it other than the religion of Allah they desire, while to Him have submitted
[all] those within the heavens and earth, willingly or by compulsion, and to Him
they will be returned?
This is that Deen which is ordained by Allah. Do they desire to follow a Deen other
than this, when they can see that everything in the universe submits to Allahs
Laws by choice or by constraint and follows the way which leads to the goal set for
them by Allah.
It is social flaw to consider a Muslim of today to be what Quran desires and
explains. The Quran chooses not to distinguish one by the name or social
association one retains but by what one delivers and contributes in life on earth
Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 8

through observing the rules of promoting peace, prosperity of others and obedience
to and establishment of the rule of Allahs law.
It is now a proven fact of life and readers with interest in the discovery channel or
Sir David Attenboroughs exploratory work in the field of life on earth would know
that the humans have evolved into the current form over a long period of time. It is
also known that many forms of species failed to develop to the next level of life
and became extinct whereas those who were able to transform continued to thrive
further through generations.
The life organisms when become complex to the level where Humans are formed
this was the start of the era of revelation which Quran associates with the ability to
receive revealed knowledge and arrival of Noah.
Life in its inception has the potential to transform for survival and growth
continuously. Each species make attempt to move to the next stage of evolution in
life, today we know of it as the process of natural selection. The transformation of
life on earth spans over millions of years rendering it impossible to witness the
change in a short span of ordinary human life. However it is proved that life on
earth has moved from in-organic material to organic material and then organic
material has shifted from plants to animals. The key concept to appreciate is that
one species highest life form is the basic from of the next species in that order. For
example you may have heard of meat- eating plants that attract small flies and
moths through their fragrant flowers and when the fly or moth enters into the plant
it closes its leaves so to absorb its nutrients for its own growth.
By the time animals reach their best evolutionary stage they start reflecting higher
order traits of human logic and ability which is displayed by certain species of
chimpanzees and dolphins.

Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 9

So the cycle of growth and development spanned over millions of years is

continuously evolving and the divine laws are always in operation in the
background.
By the time the animal evolutionary growth reaches to the level of human stage it
by the same logic has obtained the inherent ability to develop to the next level of
evolutionary growth, which is known as life after death.
However due to the lack of early years guidance, understanding and ability to
ponder and learn from all of the information around ones surroundings the human
is dependant to clear guidance and awareness so that reasonable progress in the
right direction is made to achieve success.
The author believes such clear and unambiguous guidance is given in the Quran.
However for various reasons as it has happened even before the arrival of Quran
the humans have abandoned, misunderstood and tried to find their own answers to
this issue and failed miserably. The Quran has used its own terminology and the
world is going to discover its truths and validity as it travels through the journey of
discovering the truth through research and knowledge development. One example
to such discovery is the work of science in the areas of Psychology.
Sigmund Freud and his followers developed an account of the unconscious mind. It
plays an important role in psychoanalysis.
Freud divided the mind into the conscious mind (or the ego) and the unconscious
mind. The latter was then further divided into the id (or instincts and drive) and
the superego (or conscience). In this theory, the unconscious refers to the mental
processes of which individuals make themselves unaware. Freud proposed a
vertical and hierarchical architecture of human consciousness: the conscious mind,
the preconscious, and the unconscious mindeach lying beneath the other. He
believed that significant psychic events take place "below the surface" in the
unconscious

mind,

like

hidden

messages

from

the

unconscious.

He interpreted such events as having both symbolic and actual significance.

Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 10

In psychoanalytic terms, the unconscious does not include all that is not conscious,
but rather what is actively repressed from conscious thought or what a person is
averse to knowing consciously. Freud viewed the unconscious as a repository for
socially unacceptable ideas, wishes or desires, traumatic memories, and painful
emotions put out of mind by the mechanism of psychological repression. However,
the contents did not necessarily have to be solely negative. In the psychoanalytic
view, the unconscious is a force that can only be recognized by its effectsit
expresses itself in the symptom. In a sense, this view places the conscious self as
an adversary to its unconscious, warring to keep the unconscious hidden.
Unconscious thoughts are not directly accessible to ordinary introspection, but are
supposed to be capable of being "tapped" and "interpreted" by special methods and
techniques such as meditation, free association (a method largely introduced by
Freud), dream analysis, and verbal slips (commonly known as a Freudian slip),
examined and conducted during psychoanalysis. Seeing as these unconscious
thoughts are normally cryptic, psychoanalysts are considered experts in
interpreting their messages.
Freud based his concept of the unconscious on a variety of observations. For
example, he considered "slips of the tongue" to be related to the unconscious in
that they often appeared to show a person's true feelings on a subject. For example,
"I decided to take a summer curse". This example shows a slip of the word
"course" where the speaker accidentally used the word curse which would show
that they have negative feelings about having to do this. Freud noticed that also his
patient's dreams expressed important feelings they were unaware of. After these
observations, he came to the conclusion that psychological disturbances are largely
caused by personal conflicts existing at the unconscious level. His psychoanalytic
theory acts to explain personality, motivation and mental disorders by focusing on
unconscious determinants of behaviour.
Freud later used his notion of the unconscious in order to explain certain kinds
of neurotic behaviour. Nevertheless, Freud's theory of the unconscious was
Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 11

substantially transformed by some of his followers, among them Carl

Jung and Jacques Lacan.
Carl Gustav Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist, developed the concept further. He agreed
with Freud that the unconscious is a determinant of personality, but he proposed
that the unconscious be divided into two layers: the personal unconscious and the
collective unconscious. The personal unconscious is a reservoir of material that
was once conscious but has been forgotten or suppressed, much like Freud's notion.
The collective unconscious, however, is the deepest level of the psyche, containing
the accumulation of inherited psychic structures and archetypal experiences.
Archetypes are not memories but images with universal meanings that are apparent
in the culture's use of symbols. The collective unconscious is therefore said to be
inherited and contain material of an entire species rather than of an individual
The author submits that Quran and only Quran provides guidance for the next
evolutionary stage of human development which is permanent, outcome focused
and eternal including the prevailing confusion and ongoing research on the subject
of conscious, subconscious and unconscious as known so far.
Quran chooses its own terminology and has selected a very deep, versatile and
unique language being Arabic for its message. Quran due to the complexity of the
choice of words, grammar and formation of phrases appears to be difficult for a
non-Arabic reader. However the test of time has proved that new discoveries have
only verified and witnessed the truthfulness of Quranic messages.
Quran terms humans self or conscious, subconscious and unconscious in a
collective form as NAFS. It has used it in 255 times and its expansions such as
NAFSUN 61 times and in other forms like ANFUSKUM 49 times, NAFSENE 40
times and NAFASUN 14 times.
Tajul Uroos denotes that this word is used normally for the total personality of a
person. It also means intellect, knowledge and mind. It is further used to express
greatness, superiority, courage, resolution, and punishment. It also means close
Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 12

relative or brotherly. It is also used in the meaning of blood, NIFASN which

pours out after the birth of a child. NAFASUN also means, breath and its plural is
AN-FASUN. Ibn-i-Faris says that its basic meanings are light and soft air. It also
means a nice thing, which attracts a person.
The delicate relationship and indication of Nafs to be associated and considered as
conscious and unconscious is provided in the following verse 2/286

Allah does not charge a self except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the
consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of]
what [evil] it has earned. "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have
forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid
upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no
ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are
our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people."
In other words by obeying Allahs Laws, the human personality is broadened to the
full through hardships i.e. Allah does not put one in troubles unless it gives the
person new strength, mental agility and experience to develop ones personality.
Whatever is done keeping in mind ones own interest as well as the interest of
Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 13

others, helps to develop ones personality, whereas whatever is done simply for
ones own interest retards its development. So the believers need to pray to Allah:
O Allah! do not call us to account if we have forgotten what we ought to do or
have fallen into error. May we not be buried under the weight of man-made Laws
as were our predecessors. Give us the strength to bear the responsibilities vested in
us. If we falter, give us the ability to undo the harm caused by means of good
actions. This is how we will be able to secure protection as well as means of
development.
O Allah! You are our Protector. Grant us success against the Kafireen who oppose
Your System.
By linking the effects of ones actions/deeds to personality and its expansion and
recommending to pray to Allah for protecting ones mind and its faculty to be able
to remember and not to forget means the effect and inter-active relationship
between ones conscious and unconscious, which can only be protected by Allah.
For the natural human evolution each human has a fundamental desire to defy
death or live forever. This desire is so great that years have been spent in the
discovery of such methods which may guarantee immortality. However as from the
above the key in understanding is that as humans we are mortals because of being
connected to matter. Matter belongs to and is a collection of various particles
giving proportionate balance to create life. Death is disintegration of such particles
by releasing the energy which Quran describe as Nafs.
However Quran tells us that Nafs continue to survive after death. Like all other
things however the Quran also makes a distinctive claim that the Nafs like all other
creation is created in pairs as it says 36/36.

Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 14

Exalted is He who created all pairs - from what the earth grows and from
themselves and from that which they do not know.
So the delicate creation of Allah which we acknowledge as I Me, You is not in its
form alone but is in pair.
This is a significant claim and needs proper consideration and focus to know how
to develop the self.
One can understand and acknowledge the presence of the pair of Nafs in oneself by
the continuous struggle from within between right and wrong, between control and
execution, between thought and action.
The Quran makes the Nafs subject to thoughts and actions.

Every soul, for what it has earned, will be retained

This is a clear message that the promise of evolutionary growth is to that Nafs
which has earned the position through its deeds.
In other words everyone is bound by his own deeds and the calamities that befall
him are due to his own erroneous deeds. This is how wrongdoers suffer the
consequences be it an individual or a nation.
So it is therefore submitted that actions cause direct effect on Nafs and Quran
thereby informs the seekers of such actions which guarantee continuity of
successful evolution from mortal human to beyond.
Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 15

All those actions which guarantee the development and growth of ones self and
those of the others are permissible and termed as Halal in Quran.
All those actions which fail to develop ones own and others growth of the self are
termed as Haram or impermissible according to Quran.
The seeker of eternal self-development therefore needs to consciously perform
actions which contribute positively on the Nafs.
Quran calls such person who observes the laws and willingly abide by Allahs rules
as conscious of Allah i.e. Mutaqi. The basic purpose and objective of the Quran
is to give guidance to humans to become Mutaqi i.e. someone who is always in
the state of Allahs consciousness or in other words who knows that he is subject to
the laws of Allah like all other creation around him and hence his own actions will
bring back the consequences regardless of his knowledge. In todays terminology
this person will be called a law abiding citizen. On a more practical side what it
means is that you will bear the consequences of inhaling poison regardless of your
knowledge of the nature of poison. So in its basic form the purpose of Quran is to
prepare a law abiding human who is always conscious of the impact of his actions
on himself and others around him. This consciousness will provide the society such
individuals who are aware of the duty to care at all times, everywhere without one
monitoring them.
Hence right at the start of the second chapter in Quran it declares that

that Book (of law) about which there is no doubt has guidance for those conscious
of Allah .
In other words the guidance you long for (1/5), is preserved in the Book (15/9)
wherein there is no uncertainty, ambiguity or psychological perplexity. This Book
shows to the Muttaqeen the path leading to the ultimate destination prescribed for
Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 16

humanity. The Muttaqeen are those who wish to avoid pitfalls of the wrong path,
who believe in the unseen (which becomes comprehensible through reflection on
the Quran), and are confident that the right path will lead to the destination even
though the former may be obscured initially.
The purpose of human life wishing to preserve its immortality according to Quran
is the protection and preservation of Nafs:

And (away from the external world) the human self and how it is formed and
fashioned; it

And the way it is endowed with the capability to self-disintegrate by following an

erroneous path; or on own choice to save itself from disintegration and become
firmer and stronger every day,

Whosoever nurtured and developed his self, did indeed attain success,

But the life of one who suppresses his self (Nafs) under the burden of selfish gains
and does not let it develop, becomes ruined. All his latent abilities remain
undeveloped.
Accordingly so far it is explained that Human in his/her physical existence is
composed of a pair of Nafs which is subject to deeds and only permissible deeds in
accordance with the Quranic guidance guarantee the eternal existence and further
growth of the Nafs.
This special treatment is ordained for Humans because they are born with the
faculty of choice and discretion. Divine law does not provide higher level of

Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 17

rewards to those who are subject to obey the law by force. Hence it is clearly stated
in the Quran that
There is no compulsion in Deen.
Further it is stated that

And if we had willed, We could have given every Nafs its guidance, but the word
from Me will come into effect [that] "I will surely fill Hell with jinn and people all
together.
But they are not aware that if it was Our desire to coerce them to the right path by
showing them suffering and chastisement, then it was not at all difficult for Us.
They would have been born to follow the right course by themselves. They would
have had no capability of disobedience. However, this would have been against
Our Law, which has provided human beings with the faculty of choice and
discretion. We do not want to make them tread the right path by depriving them of
their choice. There is no credit in going on the right path, if one is forced on to it.
We have shown both ways to human beings (76:3). One leads to suffering and the
other to peace and it is left to him to choose the path he likes. People however,
whether they are civilized or nomads, normally take the erroneous path and fall
into the jahannum of suffering and destruction. Thus Our Law of Mukafat
(consequences of actions) confronts them as a reality.
In concluding it is submitted that the life continues for eternity subject to the
consequences of ones actions on this earth. The death is discontinuation of
physical constraints and life through having acquired a Nafs-ul-Mutmaina a
satisfied self will be best positioned to continue to take further responsibilities in
the Universe. The task on earth therefore is to know the rules of divine nature and
act accordingly to the best of ones abilities in accordance with Quranic guidance.

Self-Development by Quran A research paper by Masood Butt 2015. 18