Author: Mehrullah Azizi
An Analysis of the History and Beliefs of Buddhism (part 35)
Islam’s View on Monasticism
In the previous section, we discussed the origin and emergence of monasticism, its definition, and the characteristics and qualities of Buddhist monks, as well as the similarities between monasticism in Buddhism and Christianity. We learned that monasticism is considered one of the important and fundamental principles in both religions.
Now, in this section, we intend to examine and analyze monasticism from the Islamic perspective: What is Islam’s view regarding monasticism? Does Islam accept it or reject it?
The Ruling of Monasticism in Islam
Islam is a balanced, comprehensive religion that is in harmony with pure human nature and fully considers all legitimate natural and spiritual needs of mankind.
Islam opposes harsh asceticism, complete isolation, total abandonment of marriage, and similar practices. Rather, it encourages its followers toward a healthy lifestyle, optimism in life, and proper use of the blessings bestowed by Allah.
Islam categorically rejects and prohibits monasticism—the form of monasticism that was invented by Christians and Brahmanic Hindus and later introduced into their religions as an innovation and fabricated practice.
As Allah the Almighty states in Surah Al-Hadid: “وَرَهْبَانِيَّةً ابْتَدَعُوهَا مَا كَتَبْنَاهَا عَلَيْهِمْ” Translation: “But monasticism, which they invented—we did not prescribe it for them.” [1]
This means that Allah emphasizes in this verse that monasticism is an invented practice with no legitimacy in divine law. It is something that the followers of false religions imposed upon themselves without any valid evidence.
A Narration from Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (RA)
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to him: “O Ibn Mas’ud!” I replied: “At your service, O Messenger of Allah (PBUH).”
He said, “Do you know that the Children of Israel split into seventy-two sects, and only three of them were saved?
The first group stood against the tyrannical kings after ‘Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary) (AS) and called people toward the religion of Allah and the religion of ‘Isa (AS). They fought against the oppressors and were killed, yet they remained patient and were saved.
Then another group arose who were unable to fight, but they stood before the tyrants and invited people to the religion of Allah and the religion of ‘Isa (AS). They too were killed, cut apart with saws, and burned in fire, yet they remained patient and were saved.
Then a third group emerged who neither had the power to fight nor the ability to establish justice. So they retreated to the mountains and devoted themselves to worship and monasticism. These are the ones about whom Allah said: «وَرَهْبَانِيَّةً ابْتَدَعُوهَا مَا كَتَبْنَاهَا عَلَيْهِمْ» Translation: ‘But monasticism, which they invented—We did not prescribe it for them.’ [2]
A Narration from Musnad Ahmad
In Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, it is narrated from Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (RA) that he said, “We once accompanied the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) on one of his military expeditions.” ” During the journey, a man passed by a cave in which there was some water. [3] He thought to himself that he should remain in that cave, live on its water and surrounding vegetation, and withdraw completely from worldly life.
Then he said to himself, “I should first consult the Prophet (PBUH).” If he permits me, I will do so; otherwise, I will refrain.”
So he came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and said, “O Messenger of Allah (PBUH)! “I passed by a cave that contains enough water and vegetation for my needs, and it occurred to me that I should stay there and withdraw from worldly life.” [4]
The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “I was not sent with Judaism or Christianity, but I was sent with the pure and easy religion (Al-Hanifiyyah As-Samhah).” By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, going forth in the path of Allah in the morning or evening is better than the world and all that it contains, and standing in the front row is better than sixty years of worship.”
To be continued…
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References:
- The Qur’an, 57:27.
- The Qur’an, 57:27.
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir, vol. 8, p. 61.
- Musnad Ahmad, Hadith no. 21788.
