What is the meaning of Nafs al-Zakiyyah? (question)

What is the meaning of Nafs al-Zakiyyah?
Upper entry	Mahdism / Preconditions for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi / Signs for Imam Mahdi's reappearance / Murder of Nafs al-Zakiyyah
Main entry	Nafs al-Zakiyyah

The term "al-Zakiyyah" stems from the root form "z-k-y" which means "to grow or develop" and "to become pure". Therefore, "Nafs al-Zakiyyah" means a soul that is totally pure and chaste. In other words, this title signifies a personage whose character is defined by sincerity, self-sacrifice, an iron will and goal-orientation. In reality, Nafs al-Zakiyyah will be a Muslim individual who has achieved great excellence in moral traits and whose martyrdom shall be of paramount importance with respect to signifying Imam Mahdi's (a) return.

Short Comprehensive Answer

One of the immutable signs of Imam Mahdi's reappearance is the murder of Nafs al-Zakiyyah . The word "al-Zakiyyah" stems from the root form "z-k-y" which means "to grow or develop" and "to become pure" . Therefore, "Nafs al-Zakiyyah" means "a soul that is totally pure and chaste". In other words, this title signifies a personage whose character is defined by sincerity, self-sacrifice, an iron will and goal-orientation. In reality, Nafs al-Zakiyyah will be a Muslim individual who has achieved great excellence in moral traits such as faith, willpower, altruism and selflessness . Similarly, the terms "al-Dam al-Haram" (meaning "sacred blood") as well as "al-Nafs al-Haram" (meaning "sacred soul") are also used instead of the title "Nafs al-Zakiyyah". The Holy Qur'an says: "Did you slay an innocent soul, without [him having slain] anyone? You have certainly done a dire thing!"

Regarding the meaning of "Nafs al-Zakiyyah", there exist two possibilities:

1. "Nafs al-Zakiyyah" means "a pure and chaste soul". As such, the person bearing this title will be an individual devoid and clean of sin. There exist certain pieces of evidence that corroborate this point of view. These are as follows:

• Imam Ali (a) is reported to have said : "Shall I inform you of the end of such and such's sultanate? (It will occur) when al-Nafs al-Haram (the sacred soul) will be killed during a sacred day". The word "Haram in this narrated tradition means "sacrosanct" or "forbidden", signifying that the person in question will be so pure and chaste that spilling his blood will be forbidden upon all human beings. Therefore, the term Nafs al-Zakiyyah found within other narrated traditions would similarly mean "a person who is pure and devoid of sin".

• In one narrated tradition, Imam Sadiq (a) is reported to have quoted a sermon originally delivered by Salman wherein he says : "I inform you of the pure soul who is devoid of sin and will be killed between the Rukn and the Maqam". This narrated tradition mentions the defining characteristic of Nafs al-Zakiyyah as "purity" and "chastity", and he is highlighted as being a person of great virtue who is devoid of sin

2. "Nafs al-Zakiyyah" means "a person who is fully developed and completely matured". Certain pieces of evidence support this standpoint. These are as follows:

• Indeed, the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a) will represent the most important event to occur during The End Times, while the murder of Nafs al-Zakiyyah will serve to be a sign of this monumental incident.

• The sheer number of narrated traditions that point towards the murder of Nafs al-Zakiyyah, alongside the emphasis placed by the Infallible Imams (a) upon this prophesized event, both serve to demonstrate the exceptional importance and high standing enjoyed by the personage of Nafs al-Zakiyyah.

• The fact that Nafs al-Zakiyyah will be killed within the Masjid al-Haram (or the Sacred Mosque) in Mecca shows that his murderers will not be able to arrest him, nor will they be able to delay his assassination or carry it out after having transferred him out of this sanctified place. As a result, they will be forced by their ignoble worldly interests to spill his sacred blood within this holiest place of worship, thereby committing this grand act of desecration and blasphemy.

Several points serve to strengthen the first of the above two possibilities:

Firstly, the murder of Nafs al-Zakiyyah will be an event of great significance that will deeply affect society. The sheer scale of the sorrow and grief caused by this tragedy cannot be something triggered simply by the death of a common innocent individual.

Indeed, such a profound and widespread social reaction can only be caused by the unjust murder of someone who holds a special and dear position within peoples' hearts; a position attained due to an exceptionally excellent character and true sincerity, and one that is enjoyed only by those who have successfully undergone divine assessment.

Secondly, in order to this murder to be deemed a sign of Imam Mahdi's reappearance, it must involve someone who is widely known and recognized amongst the people. Obviously, the murder of an unknown and unrecognized person will largely go unnoticed and, as such, will not be able to serve as a sign indicating and announcing the imminence of Imam Mahdi's return.

Thirdly, the emphasis placed by the Infallible Imams (a) upon the immutability of this event clearly shows that it will be an occurrence of monumental importance. This, in itself, demonstrates that Nafs al-Zakiyyah will be a significantly prominent personality.