Renowned Islamic scholar and specialist in traditional Islamic sciences, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, has recently addressed a profound theological inquiry regarding the nature of the human soul, distinguishing clearly between the fixed, chronological milestones of human existence and the fluid, inward spiritual states described by masters of the spiritual path.
The inquiry, submitted to SeekersGuidance—an educational platform founded by Shaykh Rabbani—raised a fundamental question regarding whether the human soul traverses through only five distinct stages of human life in a strictly chronological order for every individual. In his detailed response, Shaykh Rabbani clarified that the answer is both affirmative and negative, depending on whether one examines the macro-level journey of human existence decreed by the Divine or the micro-level spiritual metamorphosis of the human ego and heart.
According to traditional Islamic scholarship, grounded in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, the outward course of human life runs in a singular, immutable sequence for every soul brought into existence by the Creator. This grand cosmological trajectory comprises five unmistakable phases: the primordial covenant, the confinement of the womb, the earthly life, the intermediate realm of the grave, and finally, the Day of Resurrection followed by the eternal Hereafter.
The Fixed Outward Stages of Existence
Detailing the first of these outward phases, Shaykh Rabbani pointed to the primordial covenant referenced in the Quran, specifically in Sura Al-A’raf (7:172), where the Almighty brought forth all the offspring from the loins of Adam, making them bear witness upon themselves with the query, "Am I not your Lord?" This pre-eternal encounter establishes a foundational spiritual reality for every human soul before it ever enters physical time and space.
The second stage unfolds within the womb, where the human being is fashioned from a drop of fluid into a firm-set resting place, as described in Sura Al-Mu’minun (23:13). This physical incubation precedes the third phase: the transient, test-filled life of this world (hayat al-dunya), which serves as the testing ground for humanity’s moral and spiritual choices.
Upon the cessation of earthly life comes the fourth stage—the life of the grave, or barzakh. Highlighting the permanence of this boundary, Shaykh Rabbani referenced Sura Al-Mu’minun (23:100), which speaks of a mighty, impassable barrier erected behind the deceased, preventing any return to the earthly realm until the ultimate day of raising.
The fifth and final phase encompasses the Resurrection (al-Hashr) and the Hereafter. Referencing Sura Al-Baqarah (2:28), the scholar noted how humanity is brought from lifelessness into worldly existence, eventually returned to life, and finally brought back to the Divine presence for ultimate accountability. This macro-trajectory, Shaykh Rabbani emphasized, is entirely fixed by Divine Decree (qada), leaving no room for chronological deviation.
The Fluid Landscape of the Self
In sharp contrast to the fixed timeline of the outward journey, the internal levels of the human self—known in Arabic as maratib al-nafs—represent dynamic, inward states of a single entity. Master spiritual guides, drawing deep insights from the Quran and the Sunnah, have classified these psychological and spiritual dimensions, though no individual soul traverses them according to a rigid or predictable timetable.
Instead, a person ascends through these internal spiritual ranks by purposefully turning toward the Divine. However, unlike the linear progression of physical life, a seeker may dwell extensively within a single state or even experience spiritual setbacks, slipping backward due to human frailty and negligence.
Spiritual traditions generally identify several distinct levels of the self, each rooted explicitly in Quranic terminology. Among these is "the self commanding to wrong" (al-nafs al-ammara), a state derived from Sura Yusuf (12:53, acknowledging that the soul naturally inclines toward evil unless enveloped in Divine mercy. This is followed by "the self-blaming self" (al-lawwama), referenced in Sura Al-Qiyamah (75:2), representing a conscience that actively rebukes the individual for falling short of moral and spiritual ideals.
Further up the spiritual spectrum lies "the inspired self" (al-mulhama), drawn from Sura Ash-Shams (91:8), where the soul becomes attuned to recognizing both righteousness and transgression. Beyond this rests "the self at peace" (al-mutma’inna), celebrated in Sura Al-Fajr (89:27) in a Divine address welcoming the tranquil soul.
Continuing through the taxonomy outlined in Sura Al-Fajr, scholars identify the subsequent stations of "the well-pleased" (al-radiya) and "the well-pleasing" (al-mardiyya), mentioned side by side in verse 28, where the soul is content with its Lord and the Lord is well-pleased with it. Finally, traditional commentaries, such as those by classical scholars like al-Sawi and al-Dardir referencing verse 30, point to "the complete self" (al-kamila), which enters the lush gardens of Paradise.
A Unified Self in Constant Flux
While intricate classifications can feature up to seven distinct levels, prominent spiritual authorities view them not as separate compartments, but as shifting characteristics of a singular human self. Esteemed figures like Sayyidi Ahmad Ibn Ajiba, in his exegesis al-Bahr al-Madid, observed that the self constantly transforms from one state to another. This inward evolution occurs as the individual empties the heart of blameworthy traits and adorns it with praiseworthy qualities, perpetually rising and falling in spiritual station.
Shaykh Nuh Keller, a prominent contemporary American Islamic scholar and translator, has frequently highlighted the wisdom transmitted by his late teacher, Shaykh Abd al-Rahman al-Shaghouri. According to this tradition, the greatest spiritual blessings—or baraka—for the vast majority of people do not come from sudden, miraculous leaps, but rather from the long, arduous journey marked by alternating successes, setbacks, and the gradual unfolding of inner illumination. These trials and tribulations serve to polish the human heart, refining the self while cultivating deep humility and an acute awareness of human neediness before the Creator.
The Practical Path Forward: Obligation and Remembrance
Addressing those who seek spiritual elevation, Shaykh Rabbani stressed that individuals do not need to obsess over diagnosing their exact spiritual station or rank. Instead, spiritual progress demands focusing squarely on the immediate next step prescribed by traditional scholarship.
Scholars of the path outline foundational principles to initiate and sustain this spiritual climb. First and foremost is the strict observance of religious obligations coupled with heightened vigilance against the unlawful. Citing classical jurists and spiritual guides such as Imam Abu Bakr al-Mulla in Minhaj al-Raghib and Imam Ismail Haqqi in Ruh al-Bayan, scholars emphasize that guarding against forbidden acts takes precedence, marking the foundational rank of repentance and spiritual recovery.
The second principle involves cultivating an abiding awareness of the Divine gaze in all circumstances. This mirrors the concept of ihsan, or spiritual excellence, defined by the Prophet Muhammad as worshipping the Creator as though one beholds Him, and realizing that even if one does not see Him, He incessantly beholds the creation.
Thirdly, seekers are urged to engage in the frequent remembrance of Allah with a fully present heart. Citing contemporary guidance from spiritual figures like Habib Umar bin Hafiz and the conclusions of Imam Dardir in his theological creed, scholars maintain that heartfelt remembrance serves as the primary vehicle for ascending to the highest spiritual ranks.
Finally, traditional counsel underscores the immense value of companionship and accountability. Scholars recommend sitting with upright teachers of the spiritual path who can diagnose the hidden faults of the ego. In the absence of such a master, keeping the company of a truthful, trusted friend who can observe one’s actions and offer sincere, constructive counsel is considered an invaluable asset for self-rectification.
The Daily Reckoning
To maintain spiritual momentum, Shaykh Rabbani pointed to a simple, practical nightly review. At the close of each day, an individual is encouraged to ask themselves two straightforward questions: Did I abstain from what He forbade, and did I remember Him?
Quoting the insights of Imam Ismail Haqqi, the scholar reiterated that the human self ultimately attains true peace only through the deep recognition and abundant worship of the Divine. Rather than agonizing over spiritual titles or stations, seekers are advised to leave the labeling of their hearts to the One who intimately knows them, while continuing to walk and strive with sincerity along the Straight Path.
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, the founder and executive director of SeekersGuidance, is widely recognized as a leading authority in Islamic jurisprudence and theology. Having spent a decade studying under eminent traditional scholars in Damascus and Amman—including the late theologian Shaykh Adib al-Kallas and Hanafi jurist Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi—he returned to Canada in 2007 to establish SeekersGuidance, an organization dedicated to providing reliable, accessible, and inspiring Islamic education. Recognized consistently among the world’s most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center, Shaykh Rabbani continues to guide students globally through his teaching, writing, and community outreach.