The word Islamic spirituality originates from the Latin word spiritus, meaning breath, air, or soul. The related verb to inspire (literally “to breathe in”) suggests that spirituality was originally seen as a vital inner force of life. Over time, the term gained religious meaning—especially in Christianity, where it referred to living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In Islam, spirituality means purification of the soul, sincerity, remembrance of Allah, and seeking closeness to Him, as taught in the Qur’an and Sunnah. In my view, spirituality isn’t confined to any one religion—it’s a natural longing within every human being. It’s an inner journey that leads one beyond the physical self, in search of the Creator. In today’s troubled times, spirituality offers peace, balance, and a deeper connection with Allah—awakening the soul beyond mere rituals. This universality is what keeps spirituality relevant in every age.
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Literal Meaning
The word Ruhaniyat (spirituality) comes from the Arabic word Ruh, meaning soul, life, or inner essence. Literally, it refers to a state or condition related to the soul.
Terminological Meaning
Spiritually, it is the inner state through which a person seeks closeness to their Lord, divine awareness, and truth. It involves turning away from the material world towards Allah with sincerity in worship and purification of the self.
In Islam, spirituality reflects deep faith, noble character, and purity of heart—leading a person to Allah’s pleasure, love, and gnosis.
To Understand the Concept:
Just as the body needs food, the soul is nourished through the remembrance of Allah, worship, and nearness to Him. Without spiritual nourishment, the soul becomes restless and lost in darkness—just as the body weakens without food.
Relationship Between Spirituality and Religion
Outer and Inner Dimensions of Islam
Islam is a complete way of life, addressing both outward acts (prayer, fasting, zakat, Hajj) and inner qualities (sincerity, piety, patience, gratitude, divine love).
- Outer aspect = Shari‘ah
- Inner aspect = Spirituality (Tasawwuf/Ihsan)
Spirituality is the Soul of Religion
- Just as a body is meaningless without a soul, religious practices without spirituality become hollow rituals. Spirituality gives sincerity, love, and connection to Allah.
Rooted in Qur’an and Hadith
- The Qur’an and Hadith frequently emphasize taqwa, fear of Allah, dhikr, self-purification, and a sound heart—all key elements of spirituality.
The Station of Ihsan
- In the Hadith of Jibreel, Ihsan is described as:
“To worship Allah as if you see Him; and if not, know that He sees you.”
This is the essence of spirituality.
No Separation Between Religion and Spirituality
- Some people separate spirituality from religion or rely only on external practices. But in truth, Shari‘ah (law) and spirituality (inner path) are inseparable.
Role of the Sufis
- Saints and Sufis promoted spirituality while strictly following Shari‘ah. For them, prayer, fasting, dhikr, service to humanity, and a true connection with Allah were all part of one unified system.
Core Principles of Spirituality
The foundations of spirituality are the essential principles upon which one builds inner reform, closeness to Allah, and spiritual growth. These are rooted in the Qur’an, Sunnah, Sufi teachings, and the lives of the saints. Key principles include:
Sincerity (Ikhlas)
Every act must be solely for Allah’s pleasure. Without sincerity, worship cannot lead to true spirituality.
Purification of the Self (Tazkiyah al-Nafs)
The soul is the battleground of spirituality. One must overcome desires, envy, pride, arrogance, and greed to attain inner purity.
Remembrance and Reflection (Dhikr & Tafakkur)
Remembering Allah and reflecting on His signs revives the heart. For Sufis, dhikr is a continuous practice that keeps the soul alive.
Desire for Divine Nearness
The seeker’s ultimate goal is closeness to Allah. This longing pulls the heart away from worldly distractions toward the Divine.
Following the Sunnah
Adopting the Prophet’s ﷺ way is essential for spiritual growth. The saints considered Sunnah a pillar of spiritual training.
Connection with a Spiritual Guide
A true spiritual path requires the guidance of a qualified Shaykh or Murshid who protects the seeker from misguidance.
Patience and Gratitude
Trials are part of the path—patience helps endure them, and gratitude for blessings draws the soul nearer to Allah.
Struggle and Discipline (Mujahadah & Riyadah)
Spiritual growth requires inner struggle and consistent worship as core disciplines.
Sources of Spirituality
Sources of spirituality are the blessed means through which one purifies the inner self and draws closer to Allah. The greatest of these is the Qur’an, a source of guidance and nourishment for the soul. Dhikr—such as Allah’s Names, Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ, and divine praises—illuminate the heart and enlighten the spirit. Worship, including prayer, fasting, voluntary acts, and Tahajjud, strengthens the bond with Allah.
Good company, gatherings of saints, and the guidance of a true spiritual mentor play a vital role in spiritual growth. Gaining religious knowledge, reading the works of scholars and Sufis, and self-reflection (muraqabah) awaken spiritual awareness.
Additionally, acts like serving others, charity, and sacrifice soften the heart and refine the soul. In my view, embracing these sources not only transforms one’s inner life but also leads to success in both this world and the Hereafter.
Signs of Spiritual Growth
Signs of spiritual growth are reflected in a person’s inner state, character, and connection with Allah. Such a person distances themselves from worldly pleasures and negative traits like envy, pride, and anger, while embodying humility, love, sincerity, and patience. They develop a dislike for sin and a longing for goodness. Their heart becomes illuminated with the remembrance of Allah, and their life aligns with the Qur’an and Sunnah.
They treat others with kindness and show patience even in the face of harm. A deep sense of peace, contentment, and spiritual light radiates from within—gained only through closeness to Allah.
In my view, the clearest sign of spiritual growth is a heart that feels restless over sin and finds joy in good deeds. When one’s inner self is constantly engaged in purification and remembrance of Allah, that is true spiritual elevation.
Common Misconceptions About Spirituality
There are several widespread misconceptions about spirituality that lead people to misunderstand or distance themselves from it.
The first is the belief that spirituality is only about miracles, visions, or saintly powers, while true spirituality is rooted in inner purity, closeness to Allah, and self-reform—not outward wonders.
The second misconception is viewing spirituality as separate from religion, whereas it is actually the inner, essential dimension of Islam and cannot exist without Shari‘ah.
The third is mistaking spiritual practices—such as dhikr, solitude, or silence—for weakness, laziness, or escapism. In reality, these are means to discover one’s true self and attain nearness to the Creator.
Overcoming these misconceptions requires knowledge, guidance, and spiritual insight.
