The soul wayfaring through the stations of Islam, Iman and Ihsan is also moving through several stages.
- The soul that follows this path in its beginning is inclined to evil. Allah, the Exalted, said: for indeed the soul is ever inclined to evil. (12:53)
- When it becomes aware, it becomes a self-reproaching soul. Allah swore by it in His statement: And I do swear by the self-reproaching soul! (75:2)
- And after awareness comes wakefulness, and when it awakens, it becomes inspired. Allah, the Exalted, said: then with ˹the knowledge of˺ right and wrong inspired it! Successful indeed is the one who purifies their soul. (91:89)
- If it relinquishes, it becomes tranquil. Allah, the Exalted, said: O tranquil soul! Return to your Lord, well pleased and well pleasing. (89: 27-28)
- When it returns to its Lord, it becomes content. When it is content, it becomes well-pleasing. In this way, it becomes complete, and perfection belongs to Allah, the Exalted.