Is Meditation Haram in Islam: 4 Surprising Benefits of Mindfulness
Muslims are often curious about whether or not Meditation is allowed in Islam. Some Muslims suggest that mindfulness or Meditation is un-Islamic or haram (forbidden) because it originated from Buddhism and may carry some of its tenets.
Is Meditation Haram? The Quran and Hadith [sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)] guide almost all aspects of life, so it makes sense to assume that the practice of Meditation would also be addressed.
This blog post will explore the answer to this question in detail.
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What is Meditation?
Before determining if Meditation is permissible under Islamic law, it’s essential to understand what it entails. Generally speaking, Meditation is a practice of focusing one’s mind on something positive to achieve a peaceful state. It could involve repeating a word or phrase, focusing on an object, or simply sitting quietly with your eyes closed and trying to clear your mind.
There are dozens of different types of Meditation, but they all share the same goal of bringing clarity and peace of mind.
“Meditation is profound and extended contemplation or reflection to achieve focused attention or an otherwise altered state of consciousness and to gain insight into oneself and the world. Traditionally associated with spiritual and religious exercises, Meditation is now also used to provide relaxation and relief from stress; treat such symptoms as high blood pressure, pain, and insomnia; and promote overall health and well-being.”
APA Dictionary of Psychology
The Role of Mindfulness in Islam
At its core, Islam values peace, love, and mercy. Mindfulness is critical to maintaining these virtues since it allows followers to tap into the divine connection with Allah (God). By embracing this practice, one can cultivate inner harmony while deepening their faith in a loving God.
Is meditation haram? Meditation and mindfulness practices in Islam are not considered haram but rather encouraged due to their ability to bring calm and contemplation of Allah’s presence.
Many Islamic practices prioritize staying in the moment and being mindful of one’s actions. One of Islam’s five pillars is salah – a form of conservative movement expressing thanksgiving and humility before Allah. Thus, it can be seen that within the Islamic faith lies a deep appreciation for the act of being present in each moment.
Additionally, many scholars believe that one purpose behind fasting during Ramadan is cultivating a sense of presence and awareness among Muslims – reminding them that they should do all their actions mindfully and intentionally.
Propḥet Muḥammad (pbuh) had been meditating for several days in the Cave of Ḥira when he received his first revelation from Allah Almighty; thus, demonstrating contemplation and remembrance can be used as a powerful tool for discovering divine guidance.
Meditation is accomplished through “tafakkur” (contemplation) and “dhikr “(remembrance). It evokes an atmosphere of peace, comfort, and stillness within one’s soul.
As Muslims, we are all familiar with the five pillars of Islam – namely, Shahadah (declaration of faith), Salah (ritual prayer), Sawm (fasting in Ramadan), Zakat (obligatory charity), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah). These pillars form the basis for our outward worship of God. However, a deeper, inner spiritual essence brings meaning to these external forms of worship: Tafakkur and Dhikr– Meditation and Remembrance of Allah.
Dhikr
Dhikr is an Islamic term that means “remembrance” or “contemplation.” It refers to remembering Allah through reciting His name or verses from the Qur’an. This practice helps us focus on God and attain spiritual peace.
Allah says in Quran, "Those who believe and their hearts become calm and contented with the remembrance of Allah know that it is the remembrance of Allah alone that brings calm to the hearts." (Surah ar-Ra‘d, 13:28)
“The best form of dhikr is the recitation of La ilaha illallah [There is no god but Allah].”
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Tafakkur / Muraqaba
Tafakkur / Muraqaba, also known as Meditation or contemplation, is a spiritual practice in Islam that has been taught and practiced in Islam for centuries. It is an Arabic term meaning “to watch over” and consists of Meditation, contemplation, and self-reflection geared towards unlocking the mysteries of life and one’s relationship to Allah (God). This practice has been said to profoundly affect one’s physical, mental, and spiritual health.
“Reflective thinking for one hour is better than 70 years of supererogatory worship.”
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Benefits of Muraqaba
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of practicing Muraqaba.
1. Increased Self-Awareness
One of the vital benefits of Muraqaba is increased self-awareness. Practicing this spiritual exercise makes you more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and behavior. It helps you understand how your thoughts and feelings affect your decisions and actions so that you can make better choices for yourself in life. As a result, your relationships with others improve as well.
2. Stress Reduction
Another benefit of Muraqaba that many people experience is reduced stress levels. Through this spiritual practice, we learn to accept our circumstances with grace and patience instead of reacting out of fear or desperation. We also know to let go of worries about things we cannot control or predict to live more peacefully in the present moment. It helps us remain focused on what matters most without being distracted by unnecessary anxieties or stressors.
3. Improved Focus And Concentration
Practicing Muraqaba also helps with focus and concentration. By connecting with our inner selves through Meditation and contemplation, we can develop greater clarity about what we want out of life and our priorities in any given situation. It makes staying focused on our goals easier even when distractions arise from external sources such as noise or other people’s opinions.
4. Improved Relationships
Lastly, practicing muraqabah can also improve relationships with ourselves and those around us by helping us cultivate empathy for ourselves and others. Through this practice, we develop a better understanding not only of ourselves but also those around us, leading to improved communication between all parties involved – forming stronger bonds among family members and friends alike!
Conclusion
Meditation or Mindfulness is integral to Islamic teachings and can aid in relaxation, stress reduction, and spiritual growth. It does not go against the teachings of Islam but can assist in reaching a higher level of spirituality. By understanding how mindfulness practices fit into Islamic teachings, Muslims can integrate beneficial techniques into their own lives while being conscious of doing so. Therefore, we should all consider the various mindfulness techniques available to better ourselves spiritually and further our knowledge of Allah. Sharing this information with others who may be unaware will encourage positive change for everyone seeking to incorporate Meditation into the Muslim faith. Contact us, if you have any questions!
