True Meaning of Spirituality

Only Allah knows all, we know what He has taught us through His revelations and Prophets.

Spirituality is largely considered a subject of supernatural phenomena. I would rather be focusing on its rational perspective. However, briefly let us first describe spirituality in its mystic form. The purpose is to present an objective comparison rather than to offend. ???

i.????? Mystic Perspective

Some naive people say spirituality is a process of discovering hidden reality as against belief which is told by a third person. If for the sake of taking the discussion further, we take their position as correct, serious contradictions follow in the approach.

Firstly, their quest to find hidden truth confirms that they do not know, which is ok. But as they rely on their inner spiritual skills, they are bound to come up with nothing but what they unconsciously wish how the reality to be. Hence it can be said that it is a process of rationalizing their wishful perception. Having said spirituality is nothing but a manifestation of disbelief.

Secondly, if they follow this approach, then why do they subscribe to what was unraveled by their spiritual leaders and not by themselves. Doing so they believe in what others told them. Though they had negated this at the onset. Similarly, accordingly to their approach teachers should not teach but rather let the students discover on their own, but they don’t do it. Having said this concept of spirituality is nothing but self-defying. Some may argue that Prophets pbut of the Ibrahimc religion also gathered knowledge through spirituality. No. But they received discrete revelations from Allah the all-knowing Rub ul Alamein.

ii.????? Rational Perspective

Spirit in its literal meaning refers to “nafs” meaning instincts. Hence the term spirituality should refer to mastering the skills to harness nafs (instincts). The science would define Brain as the locus of the spirit nafs, but in the divine literature its locus is the Heart. Choices and actions are referred to as behaviors, which are a complex function of belief (faith and assumptions), intellect, emotions and nafs. Each variable has a significance in shaping the behavior. Here we shall attempt to discuss nafs and how it affects behaviors, as much we know about it.

Allah had a definite purpose, partly understood, and partly not understood by us, for creating the spirit (nafs). To begin with, spirit is of three types, namely: Nafs e Lawama – The conscience, Nafs e Mutmaina – The contentment, and Nafs e Ammara – The lust and desires. Most plausible reason that we may contemplate to understand why Allah Has created both good and distracting spirits, is that He decided to give free will to all if they follow His guidance, prefer to do righteous and refrain from sins or prefer to disbelieve and live a sinful life driven by their lusts and desires. He would then judge the people accordingly. Sura Mulk, Ayat 2 “?He [Allah] is the One? Who created death and life to test which of you is best in deeds. And He is the Almighty, All-Forgiving [to those who have faith and live with His fear].”

Having said, spirituality is mastering skills to harness the spirit (nafs) for better, essential for living an empowered life and attaining eternal success. Sura Asar, “?Allah swears? By the ?passage of? time! Surely ?entire? humanity is in ?grave? loss, except those who have faith, do good, and urge each other to the truth, and urge each other to perseverance.” Interestingly, Author Danial Goleman in his famous research, “The Emotional Intelligence” speaks about emotional skills like Hope, Ability to delay gratification, and patience (perseverance). Doing so, he in fact talks about mastering similar skills of spirituality.

Mastering Spirituality

The aim of mastering spirituality is to enhance Nafs e lawama (conscience) and Nafs e Mutmaina (contentment), while disciplining Nafs e Amara (lusts and desires).

a.????? Values and habits that help enhance conscience are faith on Allah and the day of judgement; hope; and perseverance.

b.????? Values and habits that help build contentment are gratitude to Allah; rationality; positive outlook – from half empty to half filled glass of water; develop the habit of sharing; and keep in mind the bigger miseries of the disadvantaged people.

c.????? Values and habits that discipline lusts and desires are the ability to delay gratification; avoid greed; do not think scarce and insecure; avoid competing for more; switch to rational thinking; and say no to luxuries in life.

“Verily Allah does not change a people's condition unless they change their inner selves.”? [13:11]. The more one is able to empower his or her spirit (nafs), the more he or she would then be able to liberate from the fancy distractions and can focus on living a mission – seek Allah’s pleasure, live a purposeful life, gain more control on emotions and actions, and last but not the least command respect.

May Allah guide us to ultimate truth, save us from His displeasure and bless success. Ameen