Tazkiya in Islam

Historically, Tazkiya has roots in the early Islamic period, where it was central to the teachings propagated by the Prophet Muhammad and subsequently the Imams of the Shia tradition. The concept gained prominence as a necessary condition for attaining closeness to God. Many renowned Shia scholars, including Al-Ghazali and Allameh Tabatabai, emphasized Tazkiya as pivotal for achieving a pure heart, a necessary prerequisite for understanding divine wisdom. In exploring the historical narratives, one can discern how Tazkiya was not merely an ascetic practice but was interwoven into the socio-political fabric of early Islamic communities.

Dimensions of Tazkiya

Shia Islam delineates various dimensions of Tazkiya, primarily categorized into three essential types: Tazkiya al-Nafs (purification of the soul), Tazkiya al-Maal (purification of wealth), and Tazkiya al-Aamal (purification of deeds).