Muraqabah

Muraqabah is an Islamic practice of meditation, where the practitioner focuses on maintaining a state of spiritual awareness and connection with Allah. The term Muraqabah derives from the Arabic root raqaba, meaning "to watch over", "to await", or "to observe". This practice is deeply rooted in Sufism, which is the mystical Islamic belief system that seeks to find divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of Allah.

Overview

Muraqabah involves the practitioner's vigilant mindfulness of Allah's omnipresence and omniscience. It is a form of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) that goes beyond mere vocal expressions, engaging the heart and soul in deep contemplation of the divine presence. Through Muraqabah, Sufis aim to achieve a state of Ihsan (perfection or excellence), which is described in a famous Hadith of Gabriel as worshipping Allah as if one sees Him, and if one cannot achieve this vision, then to worship as though Allah sees them.

Practice

The practice of Muraqabah can vary in form and intensity but generally involves periods of silent, seated meditation where the individual focuses inwardly, attempting to clear the mind of worldly distractions and concentrate solely on the presence of Allah. This can be accompanied by the mental repetition of one of the names of Allah or a Quranic verse that inspires contemplation of the divine.

Benefits

Practitioners of Muraqabah report a wide range of spiritual benefits, including increased faith, heightened awareness of the divine presence in everyday life, and a deeper sense of inner peace and stability. It is also said to purify the heart, allowing for a greater capacity to love and serve others in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Relation to Other Islamic Practices

While Muraqabah is closely associated with Sufism, the concept of mindfulness and remembrance of Allah is central to all Islamic practices. Salah (the Islamic ritual prayer), for example, is a form of Dhikr, and the state of concentration and self-discipline required in Salah is akin to the mindfulness practiced in Muraqabah. Similarly, the Islamic fasting during Ramadan is another form of spiritual discipline that aligns with the objectives of Muraqabah, as it involves self-restraint and heightened awareness of Allah.

Criticism and Controversy

Like many aspects of Sufism, Muraqabah has faced criticism from some quarters within Islam, particularly from those who adhere to a more literal interpretation of Islamic texts. Critics argue that practices like Muraqabah are not explicitly outlined in the Quran or Hadith and therefore may not be considered obligatory or even permissible forms of worship. However, supporters of Muraqabah point to the broader principles of seeking closeness to Allah and the importance of inner purity and spiritual awareness that are central to the Quran and Hadith.

Conclusion

Muraqabah represents a significant aspect of Islamic spirituality, emphasizing the importance of continuous awareness of Allah's presence. It serves as a reminder of the depth and diversity within Islamic practice and the potential for personal spiritual growth and development.