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Concept
Muraqabah
Summary
Murāqabah (مراقبة, : "to observe") is an Islamic methodology, whose aim is a transcendental union with God. Through , a person watches over their heart and soul, to gain insight into one's relation with their creator and their surroundings. is a tradition commonly found in (Sufi orders). The objective of is to purge one's base characters and develop lofty character in its place. According to tradition, it is said to have been the practice of Muhammad during his stay in the Cave of Hira before he met Jibreel.
The word is derived from the base of . The base has the meaning of guarding and watching over with the expectation of noticing any change, unique qualities or abnormalities of a given thing. The word is also on verb scale three, which gives a connotation of exaggeration, overexertion, and partnership. This then implies that the one who is doing is diligent and hardworking with the expectation that someone else is also doing a similar task.
In ancient Arabic, the word referred to one who would watch the night sky. They would scan the sky in hopes to see the first signs of early stars to begin their journey. Due to the intense heat and difficult terrain of the Arabian Peninsula, the ability to recognize the constellations and their seasonal divergences was a critical skill. In the classic poem, "the observer of the night is as vigilant as a fish in search of water".
This etymology can be connected to the modern linguistical and technical meaning of what is understood to be today. Murāqabah is seen to be of twin perspectives, both with a connotation of persistence and exertion. According to al-Qushayrī (465 AH/1072 CE) and al-Jurjānī (816 AH/1413 CE) murāqabah is for one to be aware that their Lord is perpetually aware of His subordinates. Not only is the person continuously in a state of mindfulness but they are also cognizant that their Lord is aware as well, creating a reciprocal relation.
One of the most significant sentiments of the great philosopher and theologian Al-Ghāzālī (505 AH/1111 CE) centers around God-consciousness; he propagates that it is the obligation of the creation to be in constant awareness of its Creator.
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