Wudhu and Establishing the Dominance of the Angelic Faculty Within One

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Translation of the Text

Title: The Fourth Wisdom of Wudhu (Ablution) is the Dominance of the Angelic Faculty over the Animalistic Faculty

Text:
“When the state of purity becomes firmly established in the self (Nafs), a ray of the angelic light permanently settles within it, and the portion of the darkness of animalism is subdued.”
(Al-Masaalihul ‘Aqliyyah)

A Comprehensive Explanation for Those Engaged in Self-Reformation (Islaah-e-Nafs)

This segment from Hazrat Thanwi (Rahmatullahi alayh) delves into the very core of the spiritual struggle—the battle between our higher and lower selves. For the seeker on the path of self-reformation, this is not merely a philosophical concept but the practical objective of every act of Ibaadat.

1. Understanding the Two Warring Faculties: Malakuti(Angelic) vs. Bahimi(Animalistic)

The Akaabir explain that the human self (Nafs) is a battlefield where two fundamental forces are in constant conflict:

• Al-Quwwatul Malakiyyah (The Angelic Faculty): This is our higher, spiritual self. It is the source of:
  • Intellect (Aql)
  • Consciousness of Allah (Taqwa)
  • Nobility (Izzat)
  • Love (Ishq)
  • Mercy (Rahmah)
  • Seeking knowledge and truth

It is called “Malaki” (angelic) because it inclines towards the attributes of the angels—beings of light created for pure obedience and remembrance of Allah.

• Al-Quwwatul Bahimiyyah (The Animalistic Faculty): This is our lower, base self. It is the seat of:
  • Base desires (Shahawaat)
  • Anger and rage (Ghadhab)
  • Jealousy (Hasad)
  • Greed (Hirs)
  • Gluttony
  • Animalistic instincts for pure survival and gratification without higher purpose.

It is called “Bahimi” (animalistic) because it shares its drives with animals.

Every human possesses both these faculties. The goal of Islam and the objective of Islah-e-Nafs is not to extinguish the animalistic faculty—as it is necessary for life—but to bring it under the complete control and command of the angelic faculty.

2. Wudhu as a Tool for Establishing Dominance

Hazrat Thanwi (Rahmatullahi alayh) provides the methodology: “When the state of purity becomes firmly established in the self…”

This “state of purity” (Kayfiyyat-e-Tahaarat) is not just the physical act. It is the combined reality of the previous three wisdoms:

1. The awareness gained from abandoning negligence.
2. The physical and spiritual cleanliness achieved.
3. The intention of seeking Allah’s love.

When Wudhu is performed with this holistic understanding, repeatedly throughout the day, it does not remain a superficial ritual. It begins to “become firmly established” (raasikh hojati hai) within the core of your being (Nafs).

3. The Spiritual Mechanics: Light vs. Darkness

The result of this established purity is described in metaphysical terms:

• “A ray of the angelic light permanently settles within it.” Every Wudhu performed with presence of heart acts as a polish for the spiritual heart (Qalb). Just as physical light dispels darkness, this “angelic light” (Noor Malaki) illuminates the inner self. This light is the substance of faith (Imaan), wisdom (Hikmah), and Allah-consciousness. It allows you to see the ugliness of sin for what it is and the beauty of obedience. This “ray” becomes a permanent resident, a source of inner strength against temptation.
• “The portion of the darkness of animalism is subdued.” The “darkness” (Zulmat) is the opposite of this light—it is ignorance (Jahl), heedlessness (Ghaflat), and the pull of base desires. This darkness is not annihilated, but it is “subdued” (Maghlub). This is the key for the spiritual seeker. You will still feel the pull of your lower self, but now, with the established light of purity, you have the power to overcome it. The desire for anger, gossip, or laziness may arise, but the angelic faculty, now stronger, can command it to be silent.

Practical Guidance for the Seeker (Saalik)

For one engaged in self-reformation, this wisdom transforms Wudhu from a prerequisite for Salaah into a primary exercise for inner jihaad. Here’s how to implement it:

1. Presence Over Speed: Before Wudhu, pause. Say “Bismillah” with the meaning: “I begin with Allah’s name to subdue my animalistic self with His light.”
2. Limb by Limb, Trait by Trait: As you wash each part, consciously connect it to a spiritual trait you wish to subdue or a light you wish to attract.
   • Washing the mouth: “O Allah, subdue my desire for foul speech and feed me the light of truthful speech.”
   • Washing the face: “O Allah, subdue my vanity and adorn my character with the light of humility.”
   • Washing the arms: “O Allah, subdue my greed and my anger, and fill my actions with the light of Your service.”
   • Wiping the head: “O Allah, subdue my arrogant thoughts and illuminate my intellect with the light of Your remembrance.”
   • Washing the feet: “O Allah, subdue my desire to walk towards sin and plant my feet firmly in the light of Your Path.”
3. Feel the Change: After completing Wudhu, stand for a moment. Feel the inner shift. Acknowledge that you have just actively participated in strengthening your angelic soul and weakening the hold of your inner animal. You are now not just physically clean, but spiritually fortified.

In essence, Hazrat Thanwi teaches that consistent, mindful Wudhu is a divine training program. It is a repeated, practical drill that gradually rewires your inner being, ensuring that your noble, angelic nature gains lasting dominance over your base, animalistic instincts. This is the very essence of victory in the Greater Jihaad (Jihaad-e-Akbar).

(Khairun Nisa)