tazkiyyah

Tazkiyyah, from the Arabic root meaning to purify, denotes purification and growth of the self in Islamic thought. In its broad sense, tazkiyyah refers to the purification of the heart and soul from moral vices such as arrogance, envy, deceit, and greed, and the cultivation of virtues like sincerity, humility, patience, truthfulness, generosity, and obedience to God. It is regarded as a lifelong process that involves self-examination, repentance, remembrance of God, and adherence to Islamic law.

In Sufism, tazkiyyah is central to the purification of the heart and the development of spiritual states and divine attributes such as ihsan. The concept emphasizes inner reform and moral refinement as a prerequisite for true spiritual realization.

In hadith studies, tazkiyyah also refers to the biographical evaluation of narrators to assess their reliability and integrity. This aspect of tazkiyyah helps determine the authenticity of reports and underpins the critical methodology of hadith transmission.

The term is often discussed alongside tarbiyah, or cultivation, though the two have distinct emphases: tarbiyah generally covers education and formation, while tazkiyyah emphasizes purification and moral reform within a religious framework.

Quranic usage associates purification with moral integrity and inner reform through faith and obedience. Across Sunni and Shia traditions, the concept remains a foundational element of ethical instruction and spiritual practice, though its practical expressions vary by school, tradition, and personal path. Overall, tazkiyyah denotes a multidimensional program of cleansing the heart, improving character, and aligning actions with divine guidance.