The nafs (نَفْس) is an Arabic term that is often translated as "self" or "ego," but it can also be translated as "soul" or "inner being." It is a concept in Islamic psychology and spirituality that refers to the individual's sense of self and their desires and inclinations. In Islamic teachings, the nafs is considered to be a complex and multi-faceted part of the human psyche, with various levels and states. The nafs can be divided into several levels or stages, each of which represents a different aspect of the individual's personality and inner life.