Islamic Spirituality

[Truthseeker]

Assalamu alaikum Sheikh,

I was speaking to a buddhist and he asked am i spiritual (being muslim)? I replied definitely yes.
Was i right in my answer!
Isn't doing Ibadah To Allah increases us in spirituality!

What is the right concept of spirituality in Islam, as other faiths such as Buddhism, Hinduism and even Christianity boost a lot about it. Is islamic spirituality different from the obove mentioned faiths and in what way?

Kindly shed some light on these questions.

[Aslam AbuIsmaeel]

Assalamu alaikum

My understanding is that when a non-Muslim asks about spirituality, they mean the satisfaction of the spirit or soul as opposed to the materialistic pleasures of the body.  In that sense, in Islam, there is the satisfaction, the pleasure and joy of the soul, the mind and the body.

The rites of Islam are unique in the sense that they are not merely rites and rituals but they also uplift and boost the spirit of the worshiper and give the pleasure and joy to the soul and conviction to the mind.

With respect to all that, I would reply to a Buddhist that Islam provides joy and satisfaction to the spirituality as well as the materialistic needs of the human.  The more a person prays with knowledge and understanding, the more he/she gets out of it spiritually.  It then helps in the materialistic well being too.

Therefore, in Islam, the worship helps a Muslim spiritually and thereby also in the materialistic pleasures keeping them in moderation such that a person draws the pleasure from it without going overboard harming one's body and soul!

[abou_zur3ah]

Assalaamu alaykum Shaykh Aslam,

Jazakumullahu khairan for your reply, I found it extremely informative and beneficial.

Regarding spirituality, I have a question about the Islamic concept of "Zuhd" or as some people translate it as asceticism.

Please could you clarify the correct concept of Zuhd, as I understand that some people may go to extremes in this and become like the Christian monks who practised celibacy (not getting married and having sexual intercourse).

Also, is it possible if you could give a comment or two on the following authentic hadeeth:
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"Do Zuhd in this worldly life and Allah will love you, and do Zuhd of what the people have and the people will love you."

I'm not sure how to accurately translate it!  I guess the correct explanation would become apparent in your answer inshaAllah.

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