nafsu denotes “desire” or “worldly passion” in Acehnese, derived from the Arabic nafs “self, soul”. It appears on page 88 of the Burda translation, cited in several contexts (18, 24, 144, 136, 159).
Definition
In Acehnese moral instruction, nafsu represents the inner inclinations that can lead to sin if unchecked, a concept central to Sufi‑influenced teachings.
Contextual Use
The term is paired with admonitions to control nafsu through taqwa (piety) and is contrasted with taqwa in later sections of the glossary.
Significance
Its inclusion highlights the transmission of Arabic spiritual psychology into Acehnese ethical discourse.
See Also
Source
20260707_232246_DLP-54-Een_16de_eeuwse_Maleise_vertaling_van_de_Burda_van_al_Bu_s_i_ri_OCR.txt, page 88.