Importance of Af‘āl Nafsāniyya (Psychic Functions) in Survival of Individual: A Review in Context of Unani Medicine

Background: Every living creature needs special Af‘āl (functions) to stay alive. Therefore, Af‘āl is the most important fundamental of the living body. Af‘āl is thought to be the principal target of an individual's existence. In terms of Af‘āl, the two states of the body, Sihhat and Mara#141; (health and sickness), are represented. All movements, voluntary or involuntary, sensations, thoughts and memories are included in Af‘āl Nafsāniyya. Some psychic attributes are unique to humans, whereas some higher species of animals exhibit others, and any brain function can be interfered with to cause disease. Methods: As much as literature was available regarding the same was collected, evaluated and summarised. Results: For the continuation and maintenance of life, all faculties play their role; none of the faculty can keep the body completely functional on its own. Af‘āl Nafsāniyya (psychic functions) are performed by Quwā Nafsāniyya (psychic faculty). Af‘āl Nafsāniyya equips the body and protects it from hazards, thus playing an important role in the survival of an individual. Conclusion: When Quwwat Nafsāniyya gets compromised, it affects Quwwat Haywāniyya (vital faculty) and Quwwat Tabī'iyya (natural faculty), making survival challenging and as a matter of fact, it may be stated that Af‘āl Nafsāniyya plays a crucial part in the survival of species directly and in continuation of species indirectly. This paper explores the importance of Af‘āl Nafsāniyya (psychological functions) in the survival of an individual.