Islamic Spirituality - Essay Example

Lecturer Religion What do we learn about Islamic spirituality from the sayings of Imam ‘Ali and the poetry and prose of Jalal al-DinRumi? Although it has entails some aspects of sociological approach, it is undoubtedly true that religion is equated to personal relationship with God or spirituality. Meaning, it appeals to individuals and helps in defining their closeness to a divine power. This justifies why all theists subscribe to a supernatural being. For instance, Muslims believe in the existence of Allah as the only creature and true God. To understand much about spirituality, it is important to allude to the sayings of Imam ‘Ali and the poetry and prose of Jalal al-Din Rumi and analyze what they said about spirituality (Hart 40). On his part, Imam ‘Ali held the view that spirituality is a higher value that should be possessed by all believers. To him, it is not a simple thing to obtain by everyone because it requires a lot of commitments and devotion. One of the best ways of achieving spirituality is to gain knowledge because it can provide a true understanding which is of course required for a proper understanding and acceptance of Allah. And at the core of all these is human heart, which, according to Imam, can help in protecting Muslims from committing sins and block them from acquiring the right knowledge and spirituality. On the other hand, Rumi, though not a prophet, presents insightful teachings on the role of spirituality in the life of a Muslim. Through a wise use of music, poems and dances, he explains how the knowledge of truth provides a good path to spiritual fulfillment. According to his philosophy, spirituality can be gotten through the acquisition of right knowledge. Religion is a personal experience which requires unconditional surrender to a divine power (William 18). What do these two individuals teach about faith? As a direct successor of Prophet Mohamed (PBUH), Imam ‘Ali held a strong view on the concept of faith. In his teachings, he emphasized that faith is a necessary requirement for spirituality. He said that for one to be closer to God, one needs to be a strong believer who not only believes in God, but submits to His will and does everything required by Him. At one point, he said, ‘Only those who have knowledge fear Allah’ (35:28). Meaning, with a strong faith, one needs to respect God and follow all His commands this is the only way through which one can attain the spiritual fulfillment hat one requires. He believed that no one can claim closeness to God if they do not submit to his commands and strive to live a holier life as illustrated in the Holy Quran. Meanwhile, Rumi advocates for the strict observance of God’s commands as a prerequisite requirement for the attainment of religious spirituality. As an ardent believer, he stressed that Quran should be treated as a primary and most important book in Islam. So, everyone needs to respect and use it as a guideline for faith. It contains al the important information that needs to be known about faith. Nonetheless, a true believer needs to accept God’s will without doubt or questioning (Franklin 87). Once this is done, one might be able to acquire the right guidance which can enable them to lead a holy life which can portray the as a faithful believer. What are the qualities of people who are close to God? Actually, an ideal Muslim needs to be close to God. For one to establish such closeness, one needs to have certain qualities. These include, but not limited to the following. First, one needs to strongly believe in Allah as the only true God and also accept Mohamed (PBUH) as His last prophet. This is a core pillar in Islam faith which is contained in the Holy Quran “That is Allâh your Rabb. There is no god but He, the Creator of all things; then you worship Him: and He has power to dispose of all affairs. No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision; He is Subtle well-aware.” (6:102-103). In addition, a true Muslim who has established closeness with God needs to know and appreciate why he was created by God. He should know that God created him to serve Him and live according to His commands. This is written in the Holy Quran “I have created not the jinn and men except that they should worship Me (Alone). I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me. Verily, Allâh is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, Most Strong.” (51:56-58). Last, but not least, a Muslim who is closer to God should live a righteous life as demanded by Him. As said in the Holy Quran, “But those who believe and work righteousness and humble themselves before their Rabb they will be Companions of the Garden to dwell therein for aye!” (11:23). Meaning, he should be ready to offer daily prayers, contribute alms, got to a pilgrimage and become respectful, forgiving and humble. This can make one to be an ideal believer who is guaranteed of an eternal life in paradise. Can non-Muslims benefit from their teachings? Personally, I am convinced that Imam ‘Ali and Rumi are great teachers. Although their teachings were exclusively targeting Muslims, I would like to point out that, as they are, they can greatly benefit both Muslim and Non-Muslim believers. First, their views on the concept of spirituality are accurate and justified. It can be of great contributions to Non-Muslims who do not necessarily subscribe to Islamic doctrines. For instance, Imam ‘Ali’s insistence on the role of right knowledge as a gateway to spirituality, can benefit everyone including Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Taoists. It is true as he suggests that right knowledge can help one to know everything about what God including His nature, qualities, commands and His expectations on human beings. Such knowledge can help in preparing one to be a devoted and informed believer who is ready to establish a personal relationship with God (Bentley and Ziegler 27). Imam ‘Ali and Rumi’s teachings on faith, can be of great importance both to the Muslims and non-Muslims. As a matter of fact, all religions have an element of faith which requires their followers to abide by. Without this, it might not be easier for them to accept and live by the teachings and doctrines of such religions. So, by emphasizing the role of steadfast faith, these great men were reaching out to everyone who has a religion and encouraging them to believe in the doctrines governing their religious faiths. A good example can be deduced from Rumi who appeals to all believers to accept to use their religious texts as a principal source of guidance at all times. Works Cited Bentley, Jerry; Ziegler, Herbert. Traditions and Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2006. Print. Franklin, Lewis. Rumi Past and Present, East and West. Oneworld Publications, 2000. Print. Hart, Michael. The 100: Ranking of the most influential persons in history. New York: Carol Publishing Group, 2009. Print. William, Chittick. The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi, Albany, N.Y., 2011. Print. Read More