Busy Your Nafs (Swash)

Imam Shafi’i spent much time with early Muslim sages and preserved some maxims, from which this quote is taken: “Your Nafs: If you do not keep it busy with truth, it will keep you busy with falsehood.” Decorate your office or study area with this profound jewel of wisdom while reminding your nafs of its ultimate reality. “Your Nafs” is written in big swash of the Mannerist style to call attention to how the Nafs tries to make falsehood appear pleasant while the last letter “s” hints at a flame shape to remind us of what following the Nafs would lead to.