What is Meditation? What are the Results of Meditation? How Important is Meditation According to Sufis?

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a form of spiritual practice in which a person immerses deeply into their mind and consciousness with the aim of self-knowledge, concentration, and establishing a profound connection with the Creator. The word “meditation” comes from the Sanskrit word “Dhyāi,” meaning to focus the mind or to think deeply.

In this process, one detaches from the external world and focuses inwardly on the inner world. Meditation is not merely sitting with closed eyes; it is a path of self-exploration, self-examination, and spiritual realization.

There are different types of meditation, such as:

• Focused meditation
• Mindfulness meditation
• Mantra meditation (Japa meditation)
• Visualization meditation
• Murāqaba (Sufi meditation)

Why is Meditation Necessary?

The self (Nafs) is pure by nature. It becomes impure when the Khannas-like devil dwells within it.

"I + Khannas-like devil = Ego/Arrogance/Existence/Self-Centeredness."

The Quran commands the abandonment of this ego (Amittā). The Quran gives numerous varied commands and advice, but all essentially guide one to reject this ego and be alone with God. Though the commands are diverse in form and language, the essence remains one. Just as rivers are many but water is one, many ornaments of gold melt into the same gold, and different breeds of cows give the same milk, the message from the Vedic sages to modern Sufis remains identical though the language differs. If you become suitable in the eyes of a perfect spiritual guide (Kāmil Pir), all doors of mercy from all perfect guides will open to you. Otherwise, you will find all doors closed.

Purpose and Outcomes of Meditation

With regular practice, meditation brings numerous mental, spiritual, and physical benefits. Perfect spiritual guides have attained special divine grace after extensive meditation. This grace is nothing but the expulsion of the Khannas-like devil, and the soul (Rūh), manifesting as God Himself (Rabb), reveals itself. Then the self (Nafs) becomes merely a vehicle for the soul.

If the Nafs becomes “Muthma’inna” (the tranquil self), and rises further spiritually, it remains created, because the Nafs is created but the Rūh is not created. Even if a person traverses the higher realms, they remain a creation.

Some outcomes include:

Mental benefits:

• Reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression
• Improved concentration and memory
• Enhanced mental stability
• Better quality of sleep

Spiritual and inner development:

• Increased self-reflection and self-awareness
• Deep realization of life’s meaning and purpose
• Reduced arrogance, greed, and jealousy
• Strengthened relationship with the Creator

Physical benefits:

• Blood pressure regulation
• Lower risk of heart disease
• Improved immune system
• Hormonal balance

Importance of Meditation According to Sufis

Sufism is a spiritual branch of Islam emphasizing the inner world, love, monotheism (Tawhid), and a personal relationship with the Creator. Sufis call meditation ‘Murāqaba,’ ‘Tafakkur,’ or ‘Muāsaba.’

Murāqaba: 

The Core of Sufi Meditation

The word Murāqaba means “observation” or “watchfulness.” It is a meditation practice where the practitioner strives to feel the presence of God in their heart. The soul is trained to constantly perceive God’s presence and supervision.

At moments akin to lunar or solar eclipses, the human Nafs is completely absorbed by the divine soul (Rūh) and God, and the self no longer sees itself separately. The practitioner then proclaims, “Ana al-Haqq” (“I am the Truth”). Similarly, Sri Chaitanya said, “Tui mui, mui tui” (You are me, I am you). The Quran describes this by saying, “You did not throw the stone, but I threw it. It is not your hand, but My hand.” Though the human being is created and God’s highest attribute is the Divine Essence (Sifat), attributes never become substance but are manifestations within substance. Hence, man is neither God nor separate from God.

The Purpose of Meditation According to Sufis

• Purification of the soul (Tasfiya and Tajkia)
• Removing darkness from the heart and gaining the light of illumination
• Strengthening faith (Iman)
• Suppressing the ego (Nafs)
• Attaining closeness to God (Qurb)

Importance of Meditation According to Sufi Masters

“Whoever does not feel God’s presence in his heart, his external worship is without light.” — Hazrat Al-Junaid Al-Baghdadi (RA)

Sufis believe true relationship with God arises not just from outward rituals (prayer, fasting) but through meditation. They spend long periods in solitude engaged in God’s remembrance, considering meditation the highest form of love.

Results of Meditation According to Sufi Masters

In Sahih Bukhari, it is narrated that a servant (banda) who performs voluntary worship reaches such proximity to God that their tongue becomes God’s tongue, eyes become God’s eyes to see, ears become God’s ears to hear, hands become God’s hands to act, and feet become God’s feet to walk. Though fundamentally the servant is a created being (Jat) not the Divine Attribute (Sifat), the Divine Attribute can be manifested in the created being but the reverse is impossible. This subtle and profound truth is understood only by mystics.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the mercy to all worlds, is the supreme teacher and guide for those who do not perceive or understand this higher reality. For such people, the Prophet prescribed the formal religious practices as a form of mercy.

Conclusion

Meditation is not merely a spiritual practice but a unique aspect of human life. It brings mental peace, purifies the soul, and helps establish a deep connection with God. From the Sufi perspective, meditation is the key to opening the heart’s door, through which one immerses in divine love.

As much as one understands, so much is the circle of knowledge. The greater the understanding, the broader the circle. Hence, ultimately, there is no blame or insult in different views. The Quran states that no one is given more burden than they can bear.

Just as diversity exists in knowledge and paths, similarly, Allah binds all—farmers, workers, doctors, engineers, scientists, and philosophers—within an invisible thread. This divine play is full of variety. Allah reveals Himself in new forms through His attributes (Sifat).

For those seeking true spiritual growth and ultimate peace, meditation is an indispensable path.