Islamic spirituality means the elevation of the human condition to a plane on which the mind is focused on the higher, non-material realities of a godly existence. The term for this is Ar-Rabbaniyah, derived from the following verse of the Quran:

“O people, be devoted servants of God.” (The Quran, 3:79)

The opposite of spirituality is materialism, a course followed all too often in this world. One who focuses on mere appearances is material-minded and the one who rises above it is spiritual or god-oriented. One who centres his attention on mere appearances is regarded as being materialistic. Conversely, one who rises above material things or appearances, who finds his focus of interest in nonmaterial things, is regarded as being spiritual or godly.

A materially-minded person sees only the creation, while a spiritually inclined person sees the splendour of the Creator through creation. The greatest source of pleasure is in the remembrance of God. It is this reality which finds expression in the following verse of the Quran:

“It is only in the remembrance of God that hearts are comforted.” (The Quran, 13: 28)

Comfort means not just the temporary solace to be found in everyday convenience, but the real comfort with its implications of peace of mind that can stem only from God Almighty. Divine revelation gives us the authentic framework through which we can explain life. Herein lies the only method of de-stressing that can give us a stress-free mind.

Source: Spirit of Islam April 2013