Islam and Meditation
The Oxford Handbook of Meditation February 10, 2021 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198808640.013.9 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Argues that diverse Islamic meditative practices, including dhikr, muraqaba, and samaʿ, all aim at waging the "greater jihad" against selfishness and egoistic delusion. |
Abstract
Abstract In the Islamic tradition, diverse meditative practices expand on elements of the ritual prayer. Sufi Muslims explore their potential as independent practices to introspect, uncover the delusion of the ego, and purify the heart. There is no single term meaning “meditation.” Dhikr or remembrance consists of repeating phrases from Qurʾan or names of God. Focusing on God’s presence without words is called muraqaba or contemplation. More embodied practices use music or motion as meditative tools, known as samaʿ or ecstatic listening. Supplication, benediction, and recitation of litanies have meditative qualities. All these meditative practices have the single aim of waging the “greater jihad” against selfishness and egoistic delusion.