In Islam, the Distinction Between is Significant, and The Religion has a Specific Stance on each.
dr.fiaz fazili
The phrase “Ati’u Allah wa ati’u al-rasul” actually command is indeed mentioned in the Quran multiple times. It translates to “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger” in English. Muslims are commanded to follow the guidance and example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a means of fulfilling their obedience to Allah and living in accordance with His will.
Absolutely, that’s a profound statement attributed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It emphasizes the importance of emulating his example not only in prayer but in all aspects of life. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) served as the perfect role model for Muslims, demonstrating the ideal way of living according to Islamic principles.
Overall, the lifestyle preferred by the Prophet Muhammad for his ummah integrated elements of spirituality, simplicity, and devotion to God, emphasizing a balanced approach to both spiritual and worldly affairs in accordance with Quran and Fiqah sunnah.
Living like the Prophet:
This means following his character, his manners, his interactions with others, his treatment of family and friends, and his conduct in various life situations. It involves embodying the virtues he exemplified, such as honesty, patience, humility, generosity, and compassion.
Praying like the Prophet:
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established the ritual prayers (Salah) as one of the pillars of Islam. Muslims are encouraged to not only perform the physical acts of prayer but also to strive for the same level of devotion, concentration, and spiritual connection that the Prophet had in his prayers. This includes following the same postures, recitations, and etiquettes taught by him.67
By striving to live and pray like the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Muslims aim to draw closer to God and to embody the teachings of Islam more fully in their daily lives. It’s a profound way to cultivate spirituality, develop moral character, and foster a deeper connection to the divine.
Sure, I’d be happy to explain those terms and provide some insight into the lifestyle guidelines set by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),and open minded too if someone can improvise understanding on these characters.
Malang: In Islamic context, “Malang” typically refers to someone who has renounced worldly possessions and comforts in pursuit of spiritual devotion. They often lead a very simple and ascetic lifestyle, focusing solely on their spiritual journey. Malangs are often associated with Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, where detachment from worldly desires is seen as a means to draw closer to God.
Fanna-fi-Allah:
This term originates from Sufi terminology and signifies annihilation or extinction in God. It refers to the state where the individual’s ego or self is completely dissolved in the Divine Presence. This concept is central to Sufi mysticism, where the ultimate goal is to transcend the self and achieve unity with the Divine.
Hot Pir: “Pir” is a title used in Sufism for a spiritual guide or leader. “Hot Pir” could refer to a Pir who is known for their intense spiritual fervor or passion. They are often seen as highly influential figures within their Sufi order or community, guiding others on their spiritual path with zeal and dedication.
Now, regarding the lifestyle guidelines set by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), they encompass various aspects of life including personal conduct, social interactions, worship, and character development. Here are some key principles:
Simplicity and Moderation:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived a simple and modest life, often opting for minimal material possessions. He encouraged his followers to avoid extravagance and to live within their means.
Kindness and Compassion:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness, compassion, and fairness. He taught his followers to be merciful towards all living beings and to uphold justice in their dealings with others.
Prayer and Worship:
Regular prayer and devotion to God were central to the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) lifestyle. He established the five daily prayers as a means for Muslims to maintain a close connection with their Creator.
Community and Brotherhood:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of building strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. He encouraged mutual support, cooperation, and solidarity among believers.
Morality and Integrity:
Upholding high moral standards and practicing honesty, integrity, and sincerity were fundamental aspects of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teachings. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good character and treating others with respect and dignity.
In Islam, the distinction between monasticism and mysticism is significant, and the religion has a specific stance on each. Islam generally discourages monasticism, which involves withdrawing from society and living a secluded, ascetic life. While there may be individual Muslims who adopt monastic practices, they are not considered normative within Islamic tradition. Islam emphasizes the importance of being engaged with society, fulfilling one’s responsibilities to family, community, and society at large.
Monasticism: Syn Rihabinayat:
Monasticism involves a lifestyle of seclusion from the world, often characterized by celibacy, poverty, and rigorous ascetic practices. Monks and nuns, in various religious traditions, typically live in monasteries or convents, dedicating their lives to spiritual pursuits and renouncing worldly pleasures and responsibilities.
Islamic Perspective on Monasticism.Islam Rejects Monasticism
Islam explicitly rejects monasticism. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of engaging with the world, fulfilling social responsibilities, and maintaining a balanced life. Key points include:
Rejection of Monastic Practices:
The Quran mentions, “But the monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them…” (Quran 57:27). This verse suggests that monasticism is not an ordained practice in Islam.
Prophetic Teachings:
The Prophet Muhammad emphasized that extreme asceticism and celibacy are not part of Islamic teachings. He said, “There is no monasticism in Islam” (Sunan Abi Dawood). The Prophet married, had children, and participated actively in society, setting a model for Muslims to follow.
Community and Social Responsibility:
Islam encourages believers to live within the community, engage in social and economic activities, and fulfill their duties towards family and society. The concept of Ummah (community) is central, and isolating oneself is generally discouraged.
Mysticism
Mysticism in Islam is primarily represented by Sufism, which focuses on the inner, spiritual journey towards God. Sufis seek a direct, personal experience of the Divine through various practices like meditation, dhikr (remembrance of God), and spiritual discipline.
Islamic Perspective on Mysticism
Mysticism, as long as it aligns with core Islamic beliefs and practices, is generally accepted in Islam. Key aspects include:
Spiritual Depth:
Sufism emphasizes deepening one’s relationship with God and purifying the soul. Practices like dhikr and meditation are meant to foster a closer connection with the Divine.
Integration with Islamic Practice:
Sufi practices are meant to complement the fundamental tenets of Islam, such as the Five Pillars. Sufis strive to achieve a higher level of piety and spiritual awareness while adhering to Islamic law (Sharia).
Historical and Cultural Role:
Sufism has played a significant role in the spread of Islam and has been a major force in Islamic culture and spirituality. Renowned Sufi saints and poets, like Rumi and Al-Ghazali, have made lasting contributions to Islamic thought and literature.
Community and Social Engagement:
Unlike monasticism, Sufism does not require withdrawal from society. Many Sufi orders (tariqas) operate within the community, engaging in social and charitable activities.
In summary, while Islam does not allow monasticism due to its emphasis on seclusion and renunciation of worldly duties, it embraces mysticism through Sufism, which seeks spiritual depth and closeness to God within the framework of Islamic teachings. This distinction highlights Islam’s preference for a balanced approach to spirituality that integrates both inner spiritual development and active participation in the world.
Author besides being a medical doctor,has a Diploma in Islamic studies from Islamic University. His work has been published in local and international Journals.,can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com