In this first level of the development of man, the rational self and human conscience have been overtaken by carnal desires. At this stage, our self does not recognize rational or moral barriers to get what it wants. This first level expresses itself in selfishness, arrogance, hardness of heart, oppression of others, lack of gratitude, ambition, stinginess, envy, anger, cynicism, laziness and stupidity etc. It is the lowest level of the self. In it is found extreme desire for immortality and sovereignty.
Thus it is attached to the worst of characteristics from which we have been warned by Allah and His Prophet. For example self-admiration, arrogance and pride, hardness of the heart, oppression of creatures, love for exposing the faults of others, lying, gossip, back-biting, envy, jealousy, criticism, undeserved self-praise, bitterness, attachment to what belongs to others even if it possesses what is better, lack of contentment, constant complaining, lack of gratitude, blindness to its blessings, wishing for increase without effort, extreme selfishness, greed and covetousness that knows no limit, love of control, and love of self and its desires, hatred for those who criticize it even if it is for its own good and love for those who praise it even if it is in hypocrisy, rejection of advice and counsel, and only talking about itself.
Originally,the nafs (one’s self identity, one’s own personality and reality, or one’s ego) was one of the Creator’s gifts to man. But because we allow the nafs to lean towards material values, to take pleasure only in worldly life, our nafs has become almost animal-like, while its shape remains that of a human being.
This nafs is our worst enemy, who is living inside us, dominating and tyrannizing us and keeping our human soul imprisoned and forgotten in the depths of our subconscious.
On the level of commanding nafs, influences are very heavy. To get out from under them, someone strong has to hold you by your hand and extricate you. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to do it by yourself.
When we follow our rational decision and are rescued from our misery by a strong teacher, then we may rise to the second level- Nafsi Lawwama (the blaming self). Thus the soul is pulled out from the dark dungeon of the ego to the light of conscience, and we will see our arrogance being transformed into humility, vengefulness and hate into love, anger into kindness, lust into chastity. . . If Allah so wills.
The remembrance that is appropriate for its treatment is La Illah Illa Allah (There is no god except God).