At the one-day spiritual workshop “At-Tasfiyah: The Path to Self-Purification and Purpose,” organized by Minhaj Sisters Canada, Dr. Ghazala Qadri delivered an insightful and spiritually stirring talk on the essence of inner purification and the journey toward self-awareness and divine closeness.

She began by explaining the meaning of At-Tasfiyah, derived from the Arabic root ṣafā, which signifies cleansing, refinement, and purification, describing it as the first essential step toward spiritual success as stated in the Qur’an: “He has succeeded who purifies it” (Surah Ash-Shams, 91:9).

Dr. Ghazala drew the analogy of the heart as a mirror, explaining that sins, distractions, and emotional wounds settle upon it like dust, which must be wiped away through Tasfiyah so the light of faith can once again be reflected within. She further differentiated between Tasfiyah—the act of removing impurities—and Tazkiyah—the nurturing of goodness, likening them to removing weeds and planting flowers. Quoting Imam al-Ghazali, she emphasized that purification begins with takhliyah (emptying the heart of evil) and concludes with taḥliyah (adorning it with good). Through this process, the believer transforms their inner state from turāb (earthly dust) to nūr (divine light).

In her powerful discourse, Dr. Ghazala explored the dynamics of the “inner kingdom,” where the Rūḥ (spirit), ‘Aql (intellect), and Nafs (lower self) vie for control of the heart. When the Nafs dominates, she explained, the senses become corrupted and the intellect begins to justify sin, resulting in spiritual blindness. She warned of the modern traps of hyper-individualism, entitlement, and digital distractions that strengthen the Nafs and distance one from the Divine.

To reclaim spiritual balance, Dr. Ghazala offered a practical roadmap centered on four transformative practices—Tawbah (repentance), Murāqabah (mindfulness of Allah), protecting the heart from negative influences, and Muhāsabah (self-accountability). She reminded participants that Allah Almighty seeks sincerity and consistent effort rather than perfection, encouraging them to purify their intentions, nurture faith through Dhikr and Ṣalāh, and surround themselves with righteous company.

Dr. Ghazala concluded by inspiring the sisters to continue their lifelong journey from Nafs al-Ammārah (the self that incites to evil) to Nafs al-Muṭma’innah (the soul at peace), assuring them that through Tasfiyah and Tazkiyah, every believer can transform their heart into a garden of divine light and tranquility.

At-Tasfiyah 2025: Wall of Nasiha

After the session, Dr. Ghazala Qadri visited the stall area, where she stopped by the Minhaj Welfare Foundation and other stalls featuring a beautiful collection of Islamic literature for sisters. She also took part in a creative reflection activity — a “Nasiha Wall” displaying envelopes with thoughtful messages of guidance and reflection. Dr. Ghazala opened a few envelopes herself, sharing in the meaningful experience with the participants.