Ali Gomaa: The Soul Finds Peace by Returning to God, Not Following Desires
A clarification by Dr. Ali Gomaa on the concept of the soul in Islam, explaining that true tranquility comes from returning to God and resisting desires, with insights into the Qur’anic concept of the peaceful soul
The Tranquil Soul Between Guidance and Desire in the Light of the Qur’an
Human Beings Between Body and Spirit in Islam
A Qur’anic Perspective on Humanity
Dr. Ali Gomaa, Grand Mufti of Egypt and member of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al-Azhar, explains that some people reduce the human being to mere body, instinct, and desire, as if the soul has no meaning beyond material impulses.
However, the Qur’an presents a completely different vision: the human being is a dignified creation with a purpose and mission, not just fleeting desire or uncontrolled instinct.
God says:
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”
The Soul Between Desire and Purification
The Nature of the Human Soul
The Qur’an states that the soul may incline toward evil and desire:
“Indeed, the soul is ever inclined to evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy.”
Yet Islam does not call for surrendering to this inclination, but for self-discipline, purification, and striving until the soul reaches inner peace.
The Tranquil Soul in the Qur’an
Meaning of Tranquility
God says:
“O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him].”
The tranquil soul is the one that has found peace in God, accepted His decree, and is no longer ruled by desire or pride.
Characteristics of the Tranquil Soul
- Humility in dealing with others
- Awareness of the reality of life and death
- Freedom from arrogance and pride
- Mercy, justice, and balanced behavior
“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth gently.”
Struggling Against Desire and True Freedom
In Islam, freedom is not the pursuit of every desire, but liberation from its control.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“No one will enter Paradise who has even an atom’s weight of pride in his heart.”
True peace begins with self-discipline, humility, and resisting desires until the soul becomes tranquil and content.
Conclusion
In Islam, the human being is not a servant of desire but a servant of God alone. True inner peace is achieved only by returning to God and resisting the dominance of desire.
❓ FAQ
What is the tranquil soul in Islam?
It is the soul that finds peace in God and remains content with His decree.
Does following desires bring happiness?
No, it leads to inner instability and loss of peace.
How can a person achieve inner peace?
Through faith, self-discipline, and obedience to God.
What is the difference between freedom and desire?
Freedom is self-control, while desire is being controlled by impulses.
Learn the ruling on photography during Hajj, fasting the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, moon sighting, and the prohibited acts during Ihram according to Islamic scholars
Learn when Takbeer begins in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, the difference between general and restricted Takbeer, its formulas, and scholarly opinions on its timing and virtues
Dr. Ali Gomaa explains in detail the prohibitions of Ihram during Hajj and Umrah, including clothing, perfume, shaving, hunting, and marital relations, along with related rulings and expiations
Learn the best dua for welcoming the month of Dhul Hijjah 2026 and discover beautiful supplications recommended for the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah to seek blessings, forgiveness, mercy, and acceptance through prayer, remembrance, and righteous deeds.
