Three Methods of Reform — Essence of Islam Vol. 3

14 Sep, 2026 Essence of Islam 0

Essence of Islam Book Cover by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS)

Introduction

In this discourse from Essence of Islam (Volume 3), Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS), the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, expounds upon Three Methods of Reform, presenting profound spiritual insights and scriptural verities.

Book Series: Essence of Islam (Volume 3)
Author: Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (AS)
Section: Part 1: Natural, Moral and Spiritual States of Man
Navigation: Book Table of Contents | « Previous: Natural and Moral States of Man | Next: Khalq [Creation] and Khulq [Morals] »

I have mentioned that there are three sources of human states, namely, Nafs-e-Ammarah [the self that incites to evil], Nafs-e-Lawwamah [the self-reproaching self] and Nafs-e-Mutma’innah [the soul at rest.] Similarly, there are three methods of reform. The first method of reform is that savages should be trained in rudimentary morals so that they follow the etiquette pertaining to social matters like eating, drinking, marriage, etc. They should not go about naked, nor eat carrion, nor exhibit any other ill manners. This is the elementary stage of reform of the natural state. It is the type of reform that should be adopted, for example, when teaching proper manners to a wild savage of Port Blair whom one should start instructing in basic morals and manners. The second method of reform is that, after a person has acquired basic human manners, he should be instructed in higher moral qualities and taught to exercise all human faculties on their proper occasion and place. The third method of reform is that those who have formally learned to exercise morals should be taught to relish the taste of true Love and Communion. These are the three reforms mentioned in the Holy Qur’an.
[Islami Usul ki Philosophy, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 10, pp. 327-328]
[Essence of Islam, Vol. 3, p. 8]

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Introduction