Spiritual Mindfulness in the Islamic Context: an Introduction to “Muraqabah”
Spiritual Mindfulness, in the Islamic context, Muraqabah, is a spiritual state in which you are conscious of the awareness of God over your innermost feelings/thoughts and your actions. It is when your heart and mind are occupied with the remembrance of God.
The Arabic term muraqabah is a mutual-interaction between two parties. Justin Parrott, an NYU Scholar, explains muraqabah beautifully:
“That is, a Muslim in a state of muraqabah is in continuous full knowledge that Allah is Aware of him or her, inwardly and outwardly. It is a complete state of vigilant self-awareness in one’s relationship with Allah in heart, mind, and body. The basis of muraqabah is our knowledge that Allah is always watching us at all times and, as a consequence, we develop greater attention and care for our own actions, thoughts, feelings, and inner states of being. As Allah said, “Remember that God knows what is in your souls, so be mindful of Him.”(Quran: 2:235)”
(You can read his entire article, here.)
Here’s one way to explain this spiritual mutual interaction of muraqabah:
Muraqabah can be described as a mutual awareness: God is always aware of us and we are aware of Him. In the state of muraqabah, we are mindful of God’s awareness, mindful of our ego (Nafs), mindful of our tendency to stray into mindlessness (Ghaflah), and mindfulness of our self-talk (Hadith al-Nafs).
Mindfulness of God is considered to be the origin of every virtue.
Mindfulness of God is not only a recommended character trait, it’s a realization of spiritual excellence, or Al-Ihsan. Spiritual Excellence is being completely mindful of God at all times and God refers to the rewards of mindfulness many times in the Quran.
“But those who are mindful of their Lord will be in Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there forever—as an accommodation from Allah. And what is with Allah is best for the virtuous.” [Quran 3: 198]
In addition to the rewards of Paradise, you also enjoy a more content Earthly life.
“Patiently endure, persevere, stand on guard, and be mindful of Allah, so you may be successful.”
[Quran 3: 200]“So be mindful of Allah, O people of reason, so you may be successful.” [Quran: 5: 100]
While practicing mindfulness reaps benefits for you in this life, you can of course take it one step further and practice spiritual mindfulness, which will reap benefits for this life and the Hereafter.
Benefits of Spiritual Mindfulness:
Enriching our mental and spiritual well-being
Relieve stress and better focus
Attain calming relaxation
Enhance acts of worship
Self-awareness of our thoughts, emotions and intentions
More control over our thoughts and actions
Silencing our inner “self-talk”
Improving our connection with God through remembrance
Feel closer to God
Refining our heart and mind
Attain a pure heart
Sharpen our mind
Increases our compassion and empathy
Better our understanding of emotional processes
Being non-judgmentally aware of others’ feelings
Improve our productivity
Improve our ability to create meaningful life habits and routines
Refocus our intentions for the sake of God
Pleasures of Paradise in the Hereafter
Rewards for being mindful of God and attempting to better one’s self
Parrott, once again, summarizes it best:
“Mindfulness in Islam (al-muraqabah) is a conscious state of comprehensive awareness of Allah and our inner states in relation to Him.”
Consider following Mindful Muslim Life to join us on a journey towards practicing spiritual mindfulness in our daily lives.
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