Spiritualism is the philosophy of higher reality, which has been defined by different philosophers in different words such as, “immaterial reality,” “a universal mind,” “a supreme being,” “spiritual cosmic force,” “infinite personal Almighty Allah,” etc. Spirituality, being a subjective discipline, it cannot be described in objective terms. Every person is composed of two things body and spirit. The body is related to objective science while the spirit is related to subjective science. There are two different concepts of spirituality: Almighty Allah-oriented spirituality which is based on the concept of Almighty Allah Almighty, and man-oriented spirituality, which is based on man’s soul itself being the treasure-house of spirituality. As for the former concept spirituality results in Almighty Allah’s realization while in the latter, spirituality results from self-realization. The concept of self-realization is based on the assumption that the treasure of spirituality exists within man himself. And through meditation man can peep into his inner self and discover Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). According to Islam man has no such spiritual treasure house existing independently. For man is a taker-creature. He receives everything from his Creator. The concept of spirituality in Islam is based on the principle of Almighty Allah’s realization. Almighty Allah is the treasure house of all virtues. And when man’s contact with Almighty Allah is established, in the world of his feelings, at the psychological level, an unseen, inner revolution is brought about which is called spirituality. In this matter the relationship between Almighty Allah and man can be likened to an electric wire and the power house. When the wire is connected to the power house, electricity is produced, and the place is lit up. In this way, light is the result of the wire’s connection to the power house of Almighty Allah. Human nature is like an inflammable element. When an inflammable element like petrol comes near fire, it is ignited. Similarly, human nature is awakened when it comes in contact with Almighty Allah. This finds expression in the Quran in these words: Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth, nor of the west, whose oil would well-nigh glow forth even though fire did not touch it. Light upon light! Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah sets forth parables to men, and Allah has knowledge of all things. This verse makes it clear that, on the one hand, is Almighty Allah, the source of inspiration, and on the other, is the consciousness of spirituality (Almighty Allah-consciousness) with which man is born. In this way when these two things come together, Islamic spirituality comes into existence. This is indeed another name for the awakening of Almighty Allah-consciousness. When it reaches its highest stage the believer’s realization of Almighty Allah comes to that point where he begins to feel consciously in his worship that he is seeing Almighty Allah and that if he is not seeing Almighty Allah, Almighty Allah is seeing him. If the first type of experience is called direct spiritual experience, the second-type may be termed indirect spiritual experience.
“Sajdah is the meeting point between Almighty Allah and man. Sajdah is the sign of submission or surrender, for it is only in a state of submission or surrender that we can meet Almighty Allah Almighty. Sajdah is the final position of submission for acquiring a place very close to Almighty Allah”.
As the Quran tells us, “Prostrate yourself and draw near” For Almighty Allah is always close to us closer than the life blood in the jugular vein. By total surrender to Almighty Allah, the soul can realize nearness to Almighty Allah. Similarly, according to this Hadith, ‘Worship Almighty Allah as if you are seeing him’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari) when man engages himself in true devotion; he is linked with Almighty Allah at a sensory or psychological level. Meditation in Islam aims at bringing man closer to Almighty Allah. When man worships Almighty Allah, when he remembers Him, when his heart is turned towards Him with full concentration, when he makes a request or a plea, he establishes a rapport with his Maker. In the words of the Hadith, at that particular moment he comes to whisper with his Lord. He has the tangible feeling that he is pouring his heart out to Almighty Allah and that Almighty Allah in turn is answering his call. When this communion is established between Almighty Allah and man, man can feel himself becoming imbued with a special kind of peace. His eyes are moist with tears. He starts receiving inspiration from Almighty Allah. It is this feeling of closeness to Almighty Allah which is the highest form of spiritual experience. Quran says: “Do Sajdah (self-prostration) and come nearer to Almighty Allah.” This Sajdah is the highest form of meditation. Sajdah is a form of unification of soul and body. According to this Quranic verse, Sajdah is the meeting point between Almighty Allah and man. Sajdah is the sign of submission or surrender, for it is only in a state of submission or surrender that we can meet Almighty Allah Almighty. Sajdah is the final position of submission for acquiring a place very close to Almighty Allah.
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