‘Let Silence Take You to the Core of Life’

Arfa Yassir, Swindon

To listen we need to be attentive and focused. The process of listening to yourself i.e. reflection and contemplation requires to disconnect from the hustle of daily life, a silence to reflect inwards.

One is reminded of a quote from the celebrated 13^th century Persian mystic and poet Maulana Rumi:

“Let silence take you to the core of life”

Ability to think and exercise free-will distinguishes the human race from other forms of life. It is bestowed unto us to help us recognise our Creator. From monks in the desert to Hindu philosophers to Jewish mystics – all have been reported to retreat from society to contemplate and enhance their faith. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) also used to temporarily retreat to the solitary valleys and rocks near Mecca to meditate. [i]

To go into a spiritual retreat is apparently a physical drill but has a profound impact on our soul. As per modern science, free human will proves we are something beyond matter and energy. We have a soul which is beyond physical body and continues to exist after death. [ii]

Islam has set out an optimised way to carry out this exercise for which we do not have to halt the routine of our daily lives and yet experience the benefits of a spiritual retreat: Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Basically abstaining from food and drink for a set interval during the day for a month. A Muslim who is observing a fast must strive to spend most of his or her time fulfilling their duties toward God and His creation. Hence it aims to bring a change in the entire society.

The Holy Qur’an states:

“O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.” [iii]

The end of the verse explains the reason behind the commandment i.e. piety, or purification of the soul. What is the link between our physical beings and our spiritual beings? The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) has expounded this in the following words:

“…the Holy Quran has laid stress on physical cleanliness and postures, and their regulation in relation to all worship and inner purity and spiritual humility. Upon reflection, this very philosophy is borne out as exceedingly accurate; namely, that physical conditions deeply affect the soul. For instance, when our eyes are filled with tears, even if the tears are artificially induced, the heart is immediately affected and becomes sorrowful. In the same way, when we begin to laugh, even if the laughter is artificially induced, the heart begins to feel cheerful. It has also been observed that physical prostration in prayer induces humility in the soul.” [iv]

When we amend our schedules to follow God’s commandments to a higher degree than is usual, it effects our soul. Ramadan, in this regard, is an amazing opportunity for spiritual uplift. It is up to us if we merely go through it as a schedule of staying hungry and thirsty or make it an experience to cleanse the soul.

Although a Muslim’s life is controlled by beneficent regulations all the time but during Ramadan a stricter disciplined routine has to be followed. It is a rigorous spiritual regime to control our passions, create the mindsets and lifestyles that last even after Ramadan helping us lead a spiritually productive life. That is why The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) used to intensify efforts in all means to attain nearness to God Almighty during Ramadan; be it voluntary Prayer, reciting the Holy Qur’an, spending in the way of God etc.  [v]

It is a month to minimise worldly distractions, as much as possible, to reflect and Pray. Mundane pursuits and occupations are carried on as usual, whilst intensifying moral and spiritual reformation hence everything else is secondary to the main purpose. We can plan and make the most of the blessed time. It is a very special time for the acceptance of prayers and especially when it is the nearness of God that is being sought. [vi][6]

This way the silence we create during the month will lead us to the core of life i.e. the love of our Creator.

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[i] https://www.alislam.org/book/muhammad-seal-prophets/divine-call/

[ii] https://www.alislam.org/library/articles/Human-Soul-and-Science-201009.pdf

[iii] The Holy Qur’an 2:184

[iv] ‘The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam’ By the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) pp (7-10) Available at URL [https://www.alislam.org/book/philosophy-teachings-islam/]

[v] https://www.alislam.org/articles/significance-of-ramadan/

[vi] The Holy Qur’an 2:187