of course all religions have their own way of meditation.. here I want to share about the islamic way of meditation..
Both Shia and Sunni Muslims hold that the practice of 'Salat', (the reciting five times daily of devotional prayers) is the central tenet of Islamic faith after 'Shahada', the initial declaration of submission to the one God - Allah. On top of the five daily prayers ('Fard Salat') , which are compulsory, the 'Wajib Salat' are performed on special occasions, such as Ede and failure to partake in their recital renders one a sinner. Sunnah Salat and Nafi Salat are two further forms of devotional prayer that can be recited at specific times and which are optional.
Meditation Aside From Salat
The intense concentration and ritual nature of Salat makes it comparable to many forms of meditation, and due to this nature may render meditation practice aside from prayer unnecessary for a full committed Muslim. However, the practice of meditation aside from the practice of Salat has its supporters within Islam, many of which point to positive role that meditation plays in helping to calm the mind. This is a gift that, arguably, God has bestowed upon man and can therefore be used wisely.However, detractors sometimes point to the fact that meditation can lead to partaking in rituals and practices not prescribed by the prophet Mohammed, and which may therefore distract Muslims from their duty to God. A difficulty arises here as there is no strict hierarchy in the Islamic faith, with all Muslims adhering to the Koran, which they believe to be the word of God communicated by their prophet Mohammed. In this case it is possibly best for the individual Muslim to focus come to an agreement in themselves of where the Koran stands in relation to meditation.
source : http://www.meditationexpert.co.uk/IslamicMeditation.html
This in an interesting article. I have read somewhere that 'salat'is not only a form of meditation in Islam but also the most important of all meditations. As we know, meditation is the calming or stillness of the mind, through focusing and concentration towards an object, word or sound. Other forms of meditation in Islam is the 'Zikir'. Meditation is mentioned in the Holy Quran as "rememberance", and "contemplation". It is also mentioned that by remembering Allah, our hearts will be calm. "Doa" is also a form of meditation since it is a practice of directing one's brain wave towards Allah for guidance, and for the fulfillment of any wish. It also requires concentration of the mind.
ReplyDeleteMeditation is also connect with Islam? I thought meditation is not connect with Islam.
ReplyDeleteThat's why, meditation is part of Islam? Is it correct?
ReplyDeleteWhen we say Salat as a form of meditation, it doesn't mean that salat is merely a meditation practice. Salat is more than that. Salat is an obligatory practice for a muslim to perform five times a day. The uniqeness of salat is the timing of its prayers, which have to be performed according to the sun location at a given time. Some sufis believe that the reason is that our souls need rejuvenation from the sun's rays according to the time commanded for a Muslim to pray. The soul needs "food" like our phsycal body does.
ReplyDeleteOk, thank you. This is good discussion.
ReplyDelete