Spirit of Islam, April 2013

What is Spirituality, or Rabbaniyat? It is the elevation of the human condition to a plane on which the mind is focused on the higher, non-material realities of a godly existence. The opposite of spirituality is materialism, a course followed all too often in this world. One who takes this course, giving all his attention to worldly things; or one who centres his attention on mere appearances is regarded as being materialistic. Conversely, one who rises above material things or appearances, who finds his focus of interest in nonmaterial things, is regarded as being spiritual or godly. The latter is one who obeys the injunction of the Quran: O people, be devoted servants of God. THE QURAN, 3: 79 A materialistic person is kindled with the desire to possess anything that is attractive to him, and this is a clear indication that materialism is a major motivating factor in his life. While, one who sees the same things, but remains unaffected by the notions of luxury that they convey, and feels no desire to acquire them, lives in a more rarefied sphere in which materialism plays no part. He sees no attraction in the lesser world of material appearances, being engrossed in the higher realities of the supremely spiritual life. The truly non-material person is never influenced by superficialities: his soul exists at a profound level of spirituality. The opposite of spirituality is materialism, a course followed all too often in this world. Those who live for worldly pleasures believe that gratification cannot be had except from material things. Had they experienced spiritual pleasure, they would certainly have forgotten material pleasure. The pleasure derived from material things is limited in nature and very short-lived; whereas spiritual pleasure may be eternally savoured. The materialistic person can find pleasure only in something which he or she actually experiences, but the spiritual person lives on a higher ISLAMIC SPIRITUALITY