Murāqabah (, : "to observe") is an Islamic methodology, whose aim is a transcendental union with God. Through , a person watches over their heart and soul, to gain insight into one's relation with their creator and their surroundings. is a tradition commonly found in (Sufi orders). The objective of is to purge one's base characters and develop lofty character in its place. According to tradition, it is said to have been the practice of Muhammad during his stay in the Cave of Hira before he met Jibreel.
Etymology and meaning
The word is derived from the base of . The base has the meaning of guarding and watching over with the expectation of noticing any change, unique qualities or abnormalities of a given thing. The word is also on verb scale three, which gives a connotation of exaggeration, overexertion, and partnership. This then implies that the one who is doing is diligent and hardworking with the expectation that someone else is also doing a similar task.
In ancient Arabic, the word referred to one who would watch the night sky. They would scan the sky in hopes to see the first signs of early stars to begin their journey. Due to the intense heat and difficult terrain of the Arabian Peninsula, the ability to recognize the constellations and their seasonal divergences was a critical skill. In the classic poem, "the observer of the night is as vigilant as a fish in search of water".
This etymology can be connected to the modern linguistical and technical meaning of what is understood to be today. Murāqabah is seen to be of twin perspectives, both with a connotation of persistence and exertion. According to al-Qushayrī () and al-Jurjānī () murāqabah is for one to be aware that their Lord is perpetually aware of His subordinates. Not only is the person continuously in a state of mindfulness but they are also cognizant that their Lord is aware as well, creating a reciprocal relation.
Decorum and etiquette
One of the most significant sentiment of the great philosopher and theologian Al-Ghāzālī () centers around God-consciousness; he propagates that it is the obligation of the creation to be in constant awareness of its Creator. That is to constantly obey him. The Creator's eternal knowledge encompasses the ephemeral existence of mortals, from before their conception to the ages after they have passed on. His Knowledge envelops the external, the internal and the metaphysical. He is the Lord and Creator, Glorified Be He. Once one understands this, they must follow a level of etiquette and protocol which are but not limited to:
Having humility (ar. ) and modesty (ar. ).
Staying silent and only speaking when appropriate, as it is mentioned in the narration, “the one who believes in Allah and the Last Day should only speak good or stay quiet”.
Resolve to do the best that one can in every action.
Rush to do good deeds and avoiding sin.
To be content with what one must deal with daily (ar. ).
Continuous reflection on one's internal state and the world around them.
Standing up for the truth.
The physical benefits of is akin to the benefits of standard meditation. Metaphysically speaking, the intended result of is to refrain from any actions contrary to what is obligatory, and ultimately maintain one's mindfulness in a state that one's Lord finds them (in state of mindfulness) where He is pleased with them and not one where He is displeased with them.
To continue to progress in one must be consistent for a lengthy period of time to experience the aforementioned benefits. Although it may prove difficult in the beginning, one may always regain their state of mindfulness after recognizing a change from their initial state.
Stages
Here are the ( "stages") in which Sufis have broadly categorised their journey of ascension. The categorization is an arbitrary one, and each level is generally further divided into several sublevels. During the process of enlightenment, some stages can merge or overlap each other.
- Become one or annihilated in or with the master () or teacher (). - Become one and annihilated with the Message or Messenger. - Become one and annihilated with or in Quran and its commandments. - Become one and annihilated in or with God.
Ghanūd
This is the starting level of meditation. A person who starts meditation often enters a somnolent or sleep state ( ). With the passage of time, the person goes into a state between sleep and wakefulness. The person can remember seeing something but not specifically what it is. This topic is well known and practiced among secular scholars of dream interpretation.