What is the meaning of the word "نفسه" (Himself/His Self) in the dhikr (remembrance) "Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi adada khalqihi wa rida nafsihi wa zinata arshihi wa midada kalimatihi" (Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him, as much as the number of His creation, as much as pleases Himself, as much as the weight of His Throne, and as much as the ink of His words)? Has Allah used this word for Himself in other supplications or in the Qur’an? Is it permissible to recite this tasbih (glorification)?

The term "Nafs" (Self/Essence) is affirmed for Allah the Almighty in the Quran and Sunnah (definition), and its meaning is His Sacred Essence, not one of His attributes like hearing or sight. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah explicitly stated that "His Nafs is His Sacred Essence." Thus, what is meant by "Nafs" is His holy, glorious Essence, described by His attributes, not an essence devoid of attributes, nor an independent attribute existing on its own. This does not contradict the Almighty's saying: (Every soul shall taste death), for every soul dies except the Ever-Living, the Sustainer, Who does not die.