Spirituality from Islamic perspective

According to Islam perspective, when talking about the spirituality, many of the vague notions associated with the word spiritual. It then becomes difficult for one to comprehend that this spirituality of Islam not only transcends the dualism of spirit and matter but is the nucleus of its integrated and unified concept of life (Haji Muhammad Bin Garing). Regarding Adnan Khan (2009) has defined the spirituality as the linking of actions to the purpose of life. So for instance, a Muslim's purpose of life is to worship Allah, hence spirituality in this sense is linking the actions of an individual to the purpose of their life. Actions on their own, without using this framework are just that actions. They are material constructs of time, space and objects. Besides he gives an example somebody could pray without ever thinking about the words they are reciting and these words having no impact upon them. This prayer cannot then be described as spiritual because it has become robotlike. It is just the same as eating a certain meal, or going on a bus, as there is no link to the purpose of life. A Muslim is he who does actions to seek the pleasure of Allah and to draw nearer to Him. By this definition, all actions undertaken for the pleasure of Allah are spiritual because they link the material action with the purpose of life.

Islam has a unique view on spirituality, as it encompasses all aspects of the Muslim's life. Islam doesn't view 'spirituality' separately from everyday activities. All actions that are referred to Allah are spiritual (islam-explained.info, 2009). It is the constant reference to God and ensuring that everything he or she does is in accordance with Gods pleasure. As Allah (SWT) mentioned in The Quran: For those, He has written Faith in their hearts, and supported them with a spirit from Him. And He will admit them to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, to dwell therein for ever [Al-Quran, 58:22]

Also the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned in Hadith about Spirituality in Islam that all Muslim should devote to seek pleasure from Allah:

"True spiritual excellence is devotion to God as if you see Him; and though you do not see Him, you at least know that He sees you." (Al-Bukhr and Muslim) Similarly, Al-Attas (2001) has defined Islamic Spirituality is the relationship between ones self and Allah, and the activities that we seek the nearness and the pleasure of Allah, and His Guidance towards the right path. In addition, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan (2012) has explained the concept of spirituality in Islam is based on the principle of God-realization. God is the treasure house of all

virtues. And when mans contact with God is established, in the world of his feelings, at the psychological level, an unseen, inner revolution is brought about which is called spirituality.

Moreover, Haji Muhammad Bin Garing also mentioned that Allah has appointed the human soul as His Khalifah (vicegerent) in this world. He has invested it with a certain authority, and given it certain responsibilities and obligations for the fulfilment of which He has endowed it with the best and most suitable physical frame. The body has been created with the sole object of allowing the soul to use it in the exercise of its authority and the fulfilment of its duties and responsibilities. Consequently, this world is not a place of punishment in which the human soul unfortunately finds itself, but a field in which Allah has sent it to work and do its duty towards Him.

Furthermore, the human body is just an instrument that incubates and sustains the brain, which houses the human mind, from which the self develops and evolves throughout a person's lifetime on Earth. God Almighty starts the process by installing essential software from His spirit in the human brain. This allows and enables the human self to start a life-long process of data collection, processing, and decision making while having the ability to differentiate between good and evil. And We guided him (the human being) to the two paths (of good and evil)? [Al-Quran, 90:10]

This means that humans are created with an inherent ability to differentiate between good and evil deeds. Whatever they do or say after that is a matter of choice. As a result, they will be held accountable for the decisions they make (Hassan Ali El-Najjar 2007). If he obedient to God and does a good deed, he will be living in happiness in this life and in the hereafter. On the other hand, if he choose to disobedient to God, he will be suffers in Earthen life and in the Hereafter.

Act of worship or ibadah should be fully realised and accomplished according to the perspective of Islam. Muslims have many activities for worship to Allah for instance; prayer, giving charity, fasting, reading and reflecting upon the Qur'an for asking Allahs help and mercy. Moreover, spirituality is also important for Muslims to realize and help them to remembrance of the Almighty and Merciful of Allah. Spirituality in Islam has many elements such as Tawhid paradigm, Tazkiyah al-Nafs, Amanah and Taqwa.

According to Suhaimi and Yusof have defined Tawhidic paradigm is meaning that gives weight to the degree and quality of deed or actions. This paradigm bring up the spirit of relationship between Allah and human beings, human beings and human beings, and human beings with other creatures, based on two core values trust (amanah) and justice (adl). Furthermore, they have mentioned more about

spirituality and Tawhidic paradigm that Islam offers spirituality solutions from Tawhidic paradigm. This paradigm provides solutions comprehensively as it is the guidance of life recognised by Allah (SWT). The trust (amanah) entrusted by Allah to mankind as vicegerent of Allah to execute the Divine commandment via promoting of goodness (amal maaruf) and preventing of evil (nahi munkar). The Qur'an asserts the existence of the Oneness of God:

"Say (O Muhammad): "Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him." [Al-Qur'an 112:1-4]

In Islam, amanah ("trust") is trustworthiness or it is something or someone left to someone to protect or keep. The opposite of amanah is betrayal or even treason (Aisha Stacey 2008). The quality alamanah implies the internal spiritual of good values that could learn ethical conduct and behaviour (Dr.Muhamad Fuad Abdullah, 2004) which in order to be a good Muslim. Regarding, Mohammad Hashim Kamali gave idea that The Quran make amanah is an integral part of the faith of a Muslim. The Quran designates amanah as a hallmark of faithful Muslims, as Allah (SWT) mentioned in The Quran Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their covenants. [Al-Quran 23:8]

Thus it appears that justice is the most important of all amanah that God has entrusted to mankind.

Taqwa (God consciousness) is a significant element in Islamic spiritual practice, without Taqwa, the Muslim's behaviour and attitude are corrupted (islam-explained.info, 2009). Abul Ala Maududi (2009) has explained Taqwa (Allah-consciousness) it consists in a practical manifestation of ones faith in Allah in ones daily life. Allah has commanded all Muslims to observe the distinctions between lawful and unlawful, right and wrong, and good and bad. According to verse in Al Quran mentioned the importance of Taqwa: And provision from where one does not expect; because of His words, "Whoever has taqwa of Allah He will make a way out for him and provide him from where he does not expect" [Al-Quran, 65:2]

Furthermore, Dr. Mukhtar Solihin, M.A. has explained about the purification of soul Tazkiyah al-Nafs as part of the spiritual health according to al-Ghazali. Al-Ghazali who was the greatest Islamic thinker

who was called as "the Hujjat al-lslam" (the Proof of Islam), the agent of moral, and the greatest sufi figure explains that tazkiyah al-nafs has relevance with individual growth and development. A human being is both body and soul, matter and spirit. It is the unique balance between the two contrasts that makes humans what they are, the highest creation. The original condition of the human being is that of fitrah which is upright. The potential to do good or bad exists. It is the environment that determines how those potentials are enhanced. If the environment is good, the good potentials are promoted. If it is bad the bad are promoted.

Tazkiyah is an Arabic-Islamic term referring to the process of transforming the nafs (carnal self or desires) from its deplorable state of ego-centeredness through various psycho spiritual stages towards the level of purity and submission to the will of Allah (Wikipedia 2011). When tazkiyah is applied to the human personality, it means to beautify it and to remove from it all evil traces and spiritual diseases that are obstacles in experiencing Allah.

Regarding Al-Ghazali, the nafs can be purified by acts of ibadat, avoiding the forbidden, generally being conscious of the Creator [with tafakkur], constant meditation about the creation [with dzikr], and apply good morals (akhlq mahmdah) in life. these are called purification of soul (tazkiyah alnafs). In Islam, the ultimate objective of religion and shariah (Islamic law) and the real purpose of raising prophets from among mankind was performing and teaching tazkiyah. Allah said in the Holy Quran about tazkiyah al-nafs: By the Soul, and the proportion and order given to it; And its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right; Truly he succeeds that purifies it, And he fails that corrupts it [Al-Quran, 91:7-10]. Allah also mentioned in the Quran that spirituality is related to al nafs or soul that likely to evil: And I free not myself (from the blame). Verily, the self is inclined to evil, except when my Lord bestows His mercy (upon whom He wills). Verily, my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Al-Quran, 12:53]

Tazkiyah an-Nafs according to Al-Ghazali, it is the basis for development and improvement of the personality. It is a long term, pro-active, and uphill task that will lead to spiritual purity.

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My name is Nida Maspo and I was born in Bangkok Thailand, 1987. I grew up among the family trading business which is retail and wholesale the clothing focusing on Muslim market. I had the opportunity to help them and learn how they run business. My study background is Bachelor of Science specialize in Textile and Clothing. When I was study bachelor degree, I had been training as a Merchandiser in Garment industry as well as responsible for planning, organizing and controlling entire process of Puma sport brand. Now Im taking Master of Management at IIUM, because I would like to gain more knowledge and experience to pursue and expand my family business.