Of Jihad and Rumi
Greetings friends, and welcome to another day of mindfulness with Fishing Without Bait. I'd like to delve deeper into the concept of Fishing Without Bait and discuss mindfulness through the lens of different faiths. Today, we will focus on mindfulness in Islam and the teachings of the prophet Mohammed. So, let's begin our journey.
Defining Mindfulness and Fishing Without Bait: First, let's review the definition of mindfulness. According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, mindfulness is "paying attention on purpose." Dr. Russ Harris describes it as a state of awareness, focus, and openness that allows us to fully engage in the present moment. In my own words, mindfulness is about being fully present right here and right now. This is the essence of Fishing Without Bait.
The Mindfulness Perspective of Jesus and the Christian Bible: Previously, we explored mindfulness through the perspective of Jesus in the Christian Bible. We discovered the importance of being present and cultivating a mindful approach to life. It's crucial to remember that Christ was not Jesus' last name but rather a title. This understanding helps us appreciate the mindfulness perspective from a Christian context.
Mindfulness in Islam and the Prophet Mohammed: Now, let's turn our attention to mindfulness in Islam, specifically through the teachings of the prophet Mohammed. Whenever the prophet Mohammed is mentioned among people of the Islamic faith, the phrase "may peace be upon him" is often used as a gesture of respect. This reminds me of the Buddhist practice of wishing others well, also known as "wow." Across various faiths, the underlying principles often converge, emphasizing the importance of compassion, peace, and well-being.
Understanding the Concept of Jihad in Islam: However, there are common misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding certain terms in Islam. One such term is "jihad" or struggle. Unfortunately, it has been associated with religious fanaticism, military action, and violence by some due to media portrayals. As in other faiths, words can be taken out of context and misused by followers for their own purposes. It is important to recognize that there are two types of jihad: the lesser jihad, which refers to outward struggle and self-defense, and the greater jihad, an inner struggle to remove barriers that hinder connection with a higher power or oneself.
Islam and the Path of Inner Struggle: The greater jihad, often referred to as the inner struggle, resonates with Eastern concepts of dealing with inner demons, such as alcohol abuse and emotional trauma. This form of jihad focuses on self-improvement, introspection, and attaining a deeper connection with oneself and the divine. Mindfulness and jihad share a common ground in terms of self-examination and self-improvement.
The Poet Mystic Rumi and Mindfulness: To further explore mindfulness in Islam, let's delve into the teachings of the influential poet and mystic Rumi. Rumi was born in 1207 in present-day Afghanistan and passed away in Turkey in 1273. He became a mystic after a transformative encounter with a sufi, a spiritual guide. Rumi emphasized the acceptance and acknowledgment of both positive and negative experiences. This mirrors the non-judgmental stance advocated in mindfulness practices. Rumi also encouraged unlearning old habits and viewing the world with fresh eyes, reflecting the concept of a beginner's mind.
Embracing the Present Moment: Rumi's teachings revolved around embracing the present moment. One of his famous poems highlights the idea that the cure for pain lies within pain itself. Rumi recognized the interconnectedness of joy and suffering and urged individuals to acknowledge and accept both. In contrast to Western psychology, which often promotes thought suppression, mindfulness encourages the acceptance and acknowledgement of all thoughts and emotions, allowing us to effectively address them.
The Importance of a Beginner's Mind: Rumi's wisdom resonates with the concept of a beginner's mind, approaching each experience with openness, curiosity, and non-judgment. By adopting a beginner's mind, we can truly appreciate the richness and depth of life. Rumi's teachings align with those of Thomas Merton, a Christian monk who emphasized the need to free our minds from distractions and find true happiness by embracing mindfulness.
Mindfulness and Discipline Across Faiths: Surprisingly, we find parallels between Islamic teachings and the Buddha's instructions to his followers. Both the prophet Mohammed and the Buddha advocated mindfulness, discipline, and self-control. The similarities between these two great spiritual traditions demonstrate that, despite cultural and geographical differences, the pursuit of mindfulness and inner peace is universal.
The Connection Between Prayer and Meditation: In Islam, one of the five pillars is prayer, performed five times a day. When viewed through the lens of mindfulness, prayer can be seen as a dedicated and focused form of meditation. This highlights the deep connection between mindfulness and Islamic practices.
Appreciating the Interconnectedness of Faiths: By approaching different faiths without fear and preconceived notions, we can begin to see the common threads that weave us all together. Each faith offers unique insights into the pursuit of mindfulness, inner peace, and connection with the divine. When we embrace awareness and respect, we create a beautiful tapestry of life, fostering unity and understanding.
Final Thoughts: We only scratched the surface of mindfulness within the Islamic faith. By exploring the teachings of Rumi and the concept of jihad as an inner struggle, we gain a deeper appreciation for the mindfulness practices intertwined in Islamic culture. Let us remember that mindfulness is not bound by any specific faith but rather transcends religious boundaries, reminding us of the shared human experience. As we continue our journey, may we approach each encounter with an open heart and a mindful presence, celebrating the beauty and diversity of our global community.
To explore more of this concept, check out our related podcast episode.
