Islamic Meditation: What Is It And What Are Its Techniques?
Do you often feel restless and that there is no peace in your life? Do you feel weak and enervated, and find your mind lingering in constant turmoil? Owing to the mechanical lives we lead today, all these symptoms are common. But they are dangerous as well. Is there anything that can relieve you from these issues and other similar ones? Well, there is! And no, we are not talking about medications here. We are talking about something much higher and supreme. We are talking about Islamic meditation. The benefits it offers are mind-blowing. And its techniques are intriguing! Would you like to know more? Please read this post!
Techniques Of Islamic Meditation:
Although Salat and Dhikr are not explicitly considered to be meditative practices by followers of Islam, they are used as a means to purify one’s soul in a symbolic way. Similar to traditional meditation, these Islamic methods of worship have a spiritual as well as a practical end. Spiritually, it acts as a reminder of one’s place before God as well as the world. Practically, it helps in alleviating all the daily stresses and tensions that people go through. Here is a brief look at Islamic meditation and the two primary techniques that are practiced:
1. Salat:
The word ‘Salat’ is the proper term that is used for the Islamic ritual prayer. This prayer is performed five times every day. You can take as little as five minutes to an hour, depending on how long you wish to pray. Salat is used as a way to concentrate on God as well as the afterlife instead of focusing on the everyday anxieties and pursuits that fill your conscience. You begin the Salat in a standing position. This is then followed by a bow and finally, full prostration. The complete movement is known as rakat. Quranic passages are recited throughout every rakat. During this recitation, the words of the specific passage are given complete focus by the person.
2. Dhikr:
In Islam, when God’s name is constantly repeated, it is known as Dhikr. It can also be the repetition of His attributes. Short passages from the Quran are also often repeated. This is performed after completing the ritual prayer, or Salat. You remain kneeling on the mat that you prayed on. You can also use prayer beads, although it is not compulsory. Dhikr can be performed anywhere, as long as it is a place where you can have peace and quiet to concentrate. The goal of Dhikr is to give you the opportunity to focus all your thoughts on God and nothing else.
Sufi Meditative Techniques:
Muraqaba is a Sufi meditation practice. The meaning of the term is ‘observe’, ‘control’ or ‘guard’, or ‘being aware’. It is a practice that is based on visualizing Allah’s name. It requires you to make some time in your day and reflect on Allah and the meaning of His name. Muraqaba is a way to practice spiritual contemplation so that you can gain an in-depth knowledge of your Self, Soul or Ego. Muraqaba has three stages that can be attained and they are as follows:
1. Fana fil Shaykh:
This is the first stage and is used to attain “annihilation in the Shaykh”.
2. Fana fil Rasul:
This is the stage that is used to attain “annihilation in Muhammad the Prophet”.
3. Fana Fillah:
This is the final stage and it is used to attain “annihilation in Allah”. The primary goal of meditation in Sufism is the manifestation of Hadra, or perpetual presence, in front of the Sufi master, who is known as the Shaykh. The more you practice, the closer you come to attaining the first stage, that is Fana fil Shaykh. Those who have tried this form of meditation will tell there is no other exercise that can offer you peace of mind and better health. Try it to believe it! And if you know anything else about Islamic meditation, do share with us in the comments section!
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