Monks physically separate themselves from mainstream society and abstain from several things to pursue their spiritual goals

Does being spiritual mean becoming secluded from society? Mohammad Ehsan Rangiha looks at the challenge of attaining spirituality while living our lives in the modern world.

Spirituality is a term often associated with visions of hermits living in caves and celibate monks forsaking all worldly desires in pursuit of God. Whilst there is no doubt that these paths may contain certain merits, the Islamic viewpoint has never condoned a life of complete isolation in pursuit of perfection.

The Prophet of Islam went on regular solitary retreats, but he also lived a life in the city, engaging fully in day to day mercantile activities and showed to have the best moral character when dealing with people. It is important that the traveller, who has placed himself on the path to perfection, does not forget that the roads he travels are crowded and confused with different obstacles.

The epitome of good behavior and a pure soul can only be tested where there is something to test it with. When there is the opportunity for deviancy and disobedience, the purified one is he who controls himself and does that which he is asked to do.

Private worship such as night prayer, early morning Quran recitation and fasting should be reflected in the outward manifestation of a person’s behavior. The one who has realized the essence of prayer, the words of the Quran, cannot but act in accordance with divine will, he will never deviate because he has realized truth in every cell of his body.

Handling anger, controlling desires, having good moral character, practicing honesty and helping others are examples where a social setting is required in order for the practice of perfected behavior. The person who is stranded on a desert island will not have his anger tested by family, or his honesty tested through trade. Allah (swt) says:

“I have not created mankind and Jinn except to worship me.”  {Quran; 51:56}

Worship is all too often equated with the actions of salat (prayer) or sawm (fasting). However, the scholars say that any act that pleases Allah (swt) is considered to be worship, as long as it is done fisabiallah (for the sake of Allah). Every day activities such as going to university or work, visiting a relative or a friend, are all acts of worship if done with the intention of seeking proximity to Allah and serving. We can study with the intention of helping others with our knowledge and work with the intention of supporting our families.

Islamic urafa (mystics) have never condoned complete isolation from the community and the abandonment of this world. Instead, they view this world as a stepping stone for the hereafter. Every moment is an opportunity to improve and gain closer proximity to Allah (swt).

It is important to note that Islam does emphasise the  importance of spiritual retreats as the holy Prophet (pbuh) at times, would detach from this world and go to the cave to worship and reflect. It is especially pertinent in the world we live in that we do not forget the importance of finding a time and a space where we can be free from the distractions of modern life and reflect upon our own existence. Only then will we allow ourselves the mental clarity to contemplate and meditate as we are recommended to do.