Spirituality in Islam

Spirituality in Islam
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, including the supplications we utter before we go to bed and
the type of bank account we hold. Allah (God) has prescribed certain actions that develop
positive characters, as well as bringing the Muslim closer to Him, thereby attaining taqwa
(God consciousness). This state achieves many things including Allah's love, closeness and
divine assistance.
In Islam, everything is potentially 'spiritual', because all actions must be in accordance with
Allah's guidance about what pleases and displeases Him. This view comes from the Islamic
creed and the Muslim's understanding of tawhid (the oneness of God). The fundamental
Muslim belief that ‘There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah' creates a world view, a
distinct perspective on life and a unique behaviour. It essentially means that all actions,
thoughts and desires - from intimate romantic relations with one’s spouse to picking up litter
from the floor - should be referred back to the Creator of Man, Allah. It establishes a
constant awareness, mindfulness and consciousness of Allah in everything that a Muslim
thinks, says or does.
Such consciousness is not static, it is dynamic. The level of taqwa (God consciousness) is
dependent upon how close the Muslim is with his Lord. This personal relationship is
established and strengthened by following a unique programme of activities that have
been prescribed by God Himself.
This 'spiritual' programme is also an effective means to minimise the negative traits and
habits of the Muslim. Some of these activities include remembrance of Allah, prayer, giving
charity, fasting, reading and reflecting upon the Qur'an, and asking for Allah’s help and
mercy.
Taqwa (God consciousness) is an essential element in Islamic spiritual practice, without it,
the Muslim's behaviour and attitude are corrupted. The benefits of God consciousness, as
derived from the Qur'an, are:
Help and facilitation of ones affairs; because of His words "Whoever has taqwa of Allah He
will make easy for him his affair" (Quran chapter 65, verse 4)
Closeness to Allah; because of His words "Allah is the close friend and protector of the
muttaqeen (the ones who have taqwa)" (Quran chapter 45, verse 19)
Love; because of His words, "Truly Allah loves the muttaqeen" (Quran chapter 2, verse 194)
A way out from unhappiness, 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" (Quran chapter 65, verse 2)
Covering up of wrong actions and magnification of rewards; because of His words,
"Whoever has taqwa of God He will cover over his wrong actions and magnify a reward for
him" (Quran chapter 65, verse 5)
Entrance into the Garden; because of His words "Truly, there are for the people of taqwa
with their Lord Gardens of bliss" (Quran chapter 51, verse 15)