Answer
Short Answer: The first step to take is to sincerely ask Allah Almighty to purify you as it is Allah Almighty who opens doors for His servants. You can also start reading about purification, its meaning, the spiritual diseases of the heart, how to purify oneself from them … etc. Also remember that this is a process and it is a life journey. It is something that requires commitment, perseverance, and conscious effort. This path requires holding on strongly to the Quran by reading, reciting, contemplating, and memorizing it; following the sunnah (teachings of the Prophet); being among righteous friends; seeking sacred knowledge; and frequently remembering Allah.
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Salam (Peace) Sister,
Thank you so much for asking this question and for wanting to learn the means to increase in purification. May Allah Almighty lead you to all that is good and pure in this life and the next and facilitate the path for you.
Indeed, as you mentioned, purification of the self or the heart is a major endeavor that one must embark on to reap its spiritual benefits.
Purification of the thoughts, hearts, and actions for the sake of Allah enable the person to have peace and receive God’s Divine Wisdom and Light.
Allah Almighty sent us the Last and Final Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him-PBUH) to help us purify ourselves and receive Divine Knowledge and Wisdom.
Recall the supplication Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham-PBUH) made to Allah:
{Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.} (Quran 2:129)
And Allah responded to Ibrahim’s supplication by sending the Noble Messenger Muhammad (PBUH)–the seal of the Prophets.
{Certainly did Allah confer [great] favor upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom, although they had been before in manifest error.} (Quran 3:164)
So, in the teachings of the last Messenger of Allah–Muhammad, we find what helps us purify ourselves internally and externally for the sake of Allah Almighty and for the sake of our own peace and serenity and the goodness of our societies.
Now, the first step to take is to sincerely ask Allah Almighty to purify you as it is Allah Almighty who opens doors for His servants. Just like we say in prayers around 17 times a day:
{It is You we worship and You we ask for help.} (Quran 1:5)
So, ask Allah for help.
The Prophet (PBUH) taught us this beautiful dua:
O Allah! Grant me the sense of piety and purify my soul as You are the Best to purify it. You are its Guardian and its Protecting Friend. O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the knowledge which is not beneficial, and from a heart which does not fear (You), and from desire which is not satisfied, and from prayer which is not answered. (Muslim)
So, start with this sincerely, earnestly, and consistently.
You can also start reading about purification, its meaning, the spiritual diseases of the heart, how to purify oneself from them … etc.
Sheikh Hamza Yusuf’s Book, Purification of the Heart, is a very good read. It is easy to understand and practical. So, it can really help you underline the diseases of the heart and work on purification.
There are great lectures on the subject as well. Here are a few:
Purification of the soul | Mufti Ismail Ibn Musa Menk
Purification Of The Soul – Abdur-Raheem McCarthy
The Process of Tazkiyah (purification) ~ Br. Yusha Evans
Also remember that this is a process and it is a life journey. It is something that requires commitment, perseverance, and conscious effort.
This path requires holding on strongly to the Quran by reading, reciting, contemplating, and memorizing it; following the sunnah (teachings of the Prophet); being among righteous friends; seeking sacred knowledge; and frequently remembering Allah.
If you do that, inshaAllah you will be on the right path.
We ask Allah Almighty to open doors for you and fill your heart with peace and light and purify you inside and out and grant you the highest rewards and bring you closer to Him. Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
I hope this helps.
Salam and please keep in touch.
(From Ask About Islam archives)
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:
Self-Purification: Why and How? (Illustrated)