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8 Signs You’re Ready for Tazkiyah
Thinking About Starting Tazkiyah? How to Know If You're Ready for Heart Purification.
Khalisa
November 25, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes
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Tazkiyah is a journey that requires sincere intention, commitment, and self-awareness. It’s not something we stumble into on a whim, nor is it a goal we achieve overnight. However, there are key signs that indicate you’re prepared to begin this lifelong transformative process. If these signs resonate with you, it might mean that you're ready to take the next step toward heart purification and spiritual growth.
1. You Are Obeying Allah سبحانه وتعالى Despite Any Valid Excuses and Life Challenges
Obedience to Allah سبحانه وتعالى is the foundation of tazkiyah. Staying consistent in your salah, engaging with the Quran, and fasting during Ramadan—even when you have legitimate limitations—shows a level of commitment and discipline that’s necessary for tazkiyah. These acts of worship cultivate the mindfulness and gratitude needed to lay the groundwork for deeper spiritual growth.
Of course, there are many other forms of obedience, but these basics are the foundation. Tazkiyah will help you address the other aspects.
“And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty."
2. You Are Driven by a Sincere Desire for Jannah and the Reality of Death
The desire for Jannah and the awareness of our definite return to Allah سبحانه وتعالى are powerful motivators for heart purification. If you frequently think about the Hereafter and feel a longing to attain eternal peace in Jannah and to receive all that Allah سبحانه وتعالى has promised in Jannah, this yearning will encourage you to refine your character, align your actions with your ultimate goal, and overcome the distractions of the dunya.
"Every soul will taste death. And you will only receive your full reward on the Day of Judgment. Whoever is spared from the Fire and is admitted into Paradise will ˹indeed˺ triumph, whereas the life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment."
3. You Are Striving to Meet Allah سبحانه وتعالى in the State of Your Nafs al-Mutma’inna
The nafs al-mutma’inna is the highest state of the self—one that is at peace with Allah’s ﷻ decree. You want to present a purified heart on the Day of Judgment, striving for the love of Al-Wadood through your actions and remembrance.
˹Allah will say to the righteous,˺ “O tranquil soul! Return to your Lord, well pleased ˹with Him˺ and well pleasing ˹to Him˺. So join My servants, and enter My Paradise.”
4. You Are Ready to Confront Your Painful Truths
Tazkiyah requires courage. Courage to fully trust Allah سبحانه وتعالى with not just your future but also your past. That means facing your past traumas, current negative habits and influences, and worldly attachments that pull you away from Allah سبحانه وتعالى. You’ve become aware of some concerning thoughts and behaviors that you fear could lead you to lose the blessing of Islam if you knowingly continue, so you’re ready to do whatever it takes to realign your heart and change what’s within yourself.
"That is because Allah would not change a favor which He had bestowed upon a people until they change what is within themselves. And indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing."
5. You Feel Like You’re Not Living Up to Your Potential
You notice a gap between your actions and your akhirah goals, which causes anxiety when you reflect on your deeds and wonder if they’re enough to present to Allah سبحانه وتعالى. This inner tension signals that it’s time to align your efforts with your higher purpose and move from the nafs al-lawwama. Your soul feels restless—yearning and eager to make a real impact on yourself, your family, and the Ummah. You feel ready to make meaningful changes that will benefit you in both this life and the next.
"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me."
"The best among you are those who bring the most benefit to others."
6. You Want to Shift From Passive Learning to Active Doing
You’ve read the books, watched the lectures, and taken the notes. Now, you’re ready to shift from simply acquiring knowledge to implementing it in your daily life and transforming your akhlaq.
"O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? It is most hateful to Allah that you say what you do not do."
7. You Firmly Believe in Everything Allah سبحانه وتعالى Tells Us About Himself
Tazkiyah requires a foundation of firm iman and tawakkul. If your faith in Allah’s ﷻ promises, His attributes, and His wisdom is strong, this will anchor you through the ups and downs of self-purification. A deep understanding of the nature and purpose of this life fuels the yaqeen needed for this journey.
"Indeed, Allah does not fail in His promise."
"And who is more truthful than Allah in statement?"
8. You’re Determined, Not Motivated
Tazkiyah isn’t fueled by fleeting moments of motivation. You act not because you always feel like it, but because you know that time is not yours to waste. Your efforts are driven by dedication more often than not—this resilience is key to staying consistent even when you can’t see a way out.
“So their Lord accepted their prayer, for I do not waste the efforts of any (righteous) worker, male or female”
“O believers! Patiently endure, persevere, stand on guard, and be mindful of Allah, so you may be successful.”
Are You Ready?
If these signs resonate with you, even 70% of the time, then you’re ready to start. Tazkiyah is a deeply personal journey, and this tool will guide you step-by-step so you can focus on real transformation, not figuring out where or how to start.
As-salamu alaikum, until next time, in sha Allah.
Khalisa