Salam,
I need some information about the value of meditation in Islam.
First, I want to know what the basics of meditation are and how they work. Then, how Islam views this practice.
Thanks,
–Commi.
Meditation and Islam are totally opposite to each other. Meditation is a contact to the universe or let us say, to God without words and thought.
Re: Meditation & Islam
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*Originally posted by X_Communist: *
Salam,
I need some information about the value of meditation in Islam.
First, I want to know what the basics of meditation are and how they work. Then, how Islam views this practice.
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As per the dictionary, the act of meditating is: close or continued thought; the turning or revolving of a subject in the mind; serious contemplation; reflection; musing.
As we all know that the messenger saw used to meditate in Hira cave. You meditate when you offer prayers, you meditate when you do zikar. You meditate even when you are doing your daily chores. One of my senior friends used to say that a true meaning of "Salat" is meditate. Muslims are supposed to meditate as much as they can.
Anjaan! study Islam before making the judgment.
Antobol, can you offer namaz, zikar etc without using words? If no, it is already not meditation.
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*Originally posted by anjjan: *
Antobol, can you offer namaz, zikar etc without using words? If no, it is already not meditation.
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I dont think you understand what meditation is...
Its simply focusing your mind... It can be done in many ways, zen practioners have walking zen, which is basically walking meditation. They also talk about Zen in archery, Zen in flower arranging, and Zen in just about everything else. And there is talking meditation aswell, Hindu Yogis sometimes recite, as do mystic sikhs and Buddhist in their meditation.
Muslims are Meditating (or trying to) when they are praying, they focus their mind on God and the meaning of the words.
Dear Pakpatriot, once words are involved it is already not meditation, whether it is zen, sikh or any other prayer style. Islamic prayers completely depend on words.
Anyhow, just curious to know if meditation is mentioned in Quran?
I was referring to -- sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, mind focusing on a 'dot' with deep respirations, (hence teh lack of my knowledge about meditation)...... does this contradict any religious aspect?
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*Originally posted by anjjan: *
Dear Pakpatriot, once words are involved it is already not meditation, whether it is zen, sikh or any other prayer style. Islamic prayers completely depend on words.
Anyhow, just curious to know if meditation is mentioned in Quran?
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Bro I just said that people often speak while they meditate...
The Buddhists Chant, and so do Hindus. So speaking doesnt mean your not meditating. Its the purpose of what your sayig that counts. The purpose of Chanting is to get you into a certain state of Mind...
"Is meditation a religous thing? What is the connection (if any)?
Strictly speaking, meditation and religion are not connected. But meditation and religion often go hand in hand. When it comes to focusing your thoughts, this is where meditation and religion meet. The meditator may focus on God or aspects of God as he or she defines it. Meditation is often done to increase one’s spirituality, to come closer to God. Meditation is used in many religions, if not most of them.
Some meditation methods use a special sound that is repeated (a mantra). Other people use meditation tapes, and the person on the tape takes you through a peaceful, pleasant experience (this is called guided meditation). There’s lots of room for creativity here and experimentation to find what works for you. Don’t be afraid to let your mind go."