The Rawdah. 1429.
Quest Article. April 2008
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Bismiallah Ir Rahman Ir Rahim
Over this past year the theme here has been the overall topic of ‘spirituality’ and it’s many pockets and sub-categories that come along with it as how it relates us on different levels. Something took place about a month ago that seemed to
show the sign that Muslims here in San Diego have been hungering for something deeper for a long time. Now, I haven’t been the biggest supporter of Conferences throughout the years, but there was one that happened last month that for those who were there, felt as if something was truly taking place; The 5th Annual Rawdah of 1429 A.H. What I appreciated most was the fact that the theme was on the legitimate science and practical application of Islamic Spirituality in the daily life of the Muslim; other wise known as the Islamic science of Tasawuuf. Yes,… that long and misunderstood word that starts with a ‘T’ that so many of today’s Islamic scholars are scared to say in public anymore. The set up of the three day program flowed smooth and vibe of the location was not burdensome at all. Those who attended ranged from those who have been practicing Tasawuuf in their daily lives taught by their teachers, to college students curious about the ways of Islamic Spirituality, and even to those who may not have agreed with the science at all but came to support their spouses with an open mind. And that’s what made the Rawdah special; getting all these different people together and putting what ever issues to the side to hear something fresh and new.
Many times when you think about trying to be ‘spiritual’ as a Muslim, how does one do that? Well if you are keeping the Fard, (religious obligations) that is just the first step. And for many, that’s enough. However many of us take the approach of taking on Islamic Spirituality in an osmosis like manner; like if we just think about it hard enough it will pass through our skin and into our Spirit. One of the themes that this conference pointed out is that it takes work and inner vigilance AND on top of that being trained at the hand of a teacher who would help you understand your emotional states once you begin seeking. However, I could go on and on and it would never be enough for the skeptic; in this case one needs the Daleel. O.K no problem. During the course of the Rawdah it was highlighted what the beginning rules and stipulations of the science of Tasawuuf are from Imam Nawawi’s Al-Maqasid which are 5. 1) Having Godfearingness publicly and privately. 2) Doing ones best to live according to the sunna in word or deed. 3) Indifference to whether others accept o reject you 4) Satisfaction with Allah (s.w.t) in scarcity and plenty 5) Turning to Allah in happiness or afflictions. And those 5 basic starting points have been validated in numerous Ayats of the Qur’an and valid hadiths relating to Ihsan; both inner and outer. Almost no one can learn to do something with out being taught first. In the same way that the science of preserving the hadith and the Quran came about as the history of Islam unfolded, the science of keeping the heart intact as well evolved. Not only to learn the hadith and the verses of the Qur’an, but to apply them and preserve them in the innermost area of your heart with love; is the science of Tasawuuf as related by the Scholars of Ihsan. However, even in all of this there was a feeling there. Good topics and a chance to hear practical ways to get over our inner personal issues that need to be worked on. The speakers who were invited, although world renown kept a very light and humorous, yet serious and sweet approach to talking about this issue. The food was good and so was the conversation. I’ve talked to few who attend since then and many of them said the same, “They felt something”. What is this something that we feel but cant put it in to words? That is your heart speaking. The climax of the Rawdah for me actually didn’t take place at the conference location itself, it was the closing when many gathered by the water of calm San Diego location and roasted halal marshmallows and talked about the feelings that they had and we even got a good history lesson that we could use to further our spiritual progress. Inshallah, may more situations like this occur and that many could benefit from. As-Salaam Aliekum.
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