tazkiyya

Tazkiyya (Arabic: تزكية) is an Islamic term meaning purification or growth of the soul. The word comes from the root z-k-y, signifying purity and moral refinement, with the related verb tazakkā meaning to purify, cultivate virtue, or attain spiritual improvement.

In Islamic thought, tazkiyya has both a spiritual and a practical sense. It denotes the purification of the self (nafs) from moral vices such as greed, pride, hypocrisy, and envy, and the cultivation of virtuous traits like humility, honesty, gratitude, and patience. It also refers to the purification of wealth through lawful means and charitable giving, embodying the idea that wealth should be cleansed by acts of zakat and philanthropy.

Within Islamic jurisprudence and hadith studies, tazkiyya has a technical dimension as well. Tazkiyyat al-rijal refers to the biographical evaluation and "purification" of narrators to assess the reliability and credibility of their reports, a central component of evaluating hadith chains (isnad) and determining authenticity.

In Sufism and Islamic ethics, tazkiyya is a primary aim of the spiritual path. Practitioners seek inner purification through practices such as dhikr (remembrance of God), tawba (repentance), prayer, mindful conduct, and guidance from a qualified teacher, with the goal of attaining closeness to God and spiritual realization.

Historically, discussions of tazkiyya appear across theological, legal, and mystical writings, reflecting its dual emphasis on inner moral reform and outward righteous action.