Enhancing Life's Quality: The Power of Mindfulness Practice (as per Muraqabah)
In the pursuit of mental and spiritual strength, many turn to meditation as a means to achieve calm, contentment, and a deeper connection with the divine. This is no different in Islam, where the practice of meditation, known as Muraqabah, plays a significant role in the spiritual journey of believers.
Muraqabah, a two-fold result, aims to bring about a state of tranquillity and peace in this world, while also preparing the soul for eternal calm and joy in Paradise in the next. It is achieved by being aware of the four aspects of Muraqabah: knowing the Almighty, knowing the enemy (iblis or satan), knowing your soul's capacity to suggest evil, and knowing the deeds to be done for the sake of Allah.
At the heart of Islamic meditation lies Dhikr, a calming anchor that provides stress relief, relaxation, better focus, increased empathy and compassion, and control over thoughts, desires, and emotions. This practice, which can be traced back to the teachings of prominent Sufi mystics like Rumi and Al-Ghazali, serves as a foundation for a balanced spiritual life, dependent upon different acts of worship and meditations for complete sustenance.
The idea of mindfulness is not foreign to secular meditation, where the purpose is to achieve mental strength and well-being by being aware of one's own heart and mind. However, Islamic meditation, with its roots in the four aspects of Muraqabah, offers a unique approach, grounded in the belief that Allah is always watching, both inwardly and outwardly.
Modern science has proven the benefits of mindfulness exercises, even in a non-religious context, with improvements in memory, focus, personal relationships, and emotional well-being. In the Islamic context, the practice of mindfulness is similar to something called Muraqabah.
The key to mindfulness in Islam is becoming aware of the distance between a thought, feeling, or emotion, and your reaction to it. This awareness, coupled with the regular practice of periods of silence in seclusion, as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), helps believers cultivate a state of vigilant self-awareness in their relationship with Allah, heart, mind, and body.
The righteous predecessors, too, practiced various forms of meditation to enhance their acts of worship. Al-Ghazali, for instance, recommended four daily spiritual mindfulness practices. Ibn Al-Qayyim detailed seven types of meditation, each offering a unique path to spiritual growth and self-awareness.
Ultimately, the goal of Islamic meditation is to reach the highest spiritual state in Islam: Ihsan, or spiritual excellence. This is achieved by worshipping Allah as if you see Him, a reminder that self-awareness and mindfulness are not just tools for spiritual growth, but a way of life for the devout.
In conclusion, Muraqabah, the mindful practice in Islam, offers a unique approach to meditation, bridging the gap between the spiritual and the secular, and providing a path to mental and spiritual well-being, peace, and eternal joy.
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