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Murāqabah (Arabic: مراقبة, lit.: "to observe") is an Islamic methodology, whose aim is to enter into a transcendental union with God.[1] It is a tradition commonly found in ṭarīqas (Sufi orders). 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.[2]
The word murāqabah is derived from rā-qāf-bāʿ,[3] which means to guard and watch over with the expectation of noticing any change, unique qualities or abnormalities of a given thing.[4]
In ancient Arabic, the word murāqabah 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,[which?] "the observer of the night is as vigilant as a fish in search of water".[5]
This etymology can be connected to the modern linguistical and technical meaning of what murāqabah is understood to be today.[6] According to al-Qushayrī (d. 465 AH/1072 CE) and al-Jurjānī (d. 816 AH/1413 CE),[7] 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.[8]
One of the sentiments of philosopher and theologian Al-Ghāzālī (d. 505 AH/1111 CE) centers around God-consciousness; he stated that it is the obligation of the creation to be in constant awareness of its creator. Once one understands this, they must follow a level of etiquette and protocol which are but not limited to:
The physical benefits of murāqabah are similar to standard meditation. Metaphysically speaking, the intended result of murāqabah is to refrain from any actions displeasing to God,[12] and ultimately maintain one's mindfulness in a state that God is pleased by.[13]
To progress in murāqabah one must be consistent for a lengthy period of time to experience the aforementioned benefits.[1]
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