Author: M. Mehrullah Azizi
An Analysis of the History and Beliefs of Buddhism (part 37)
The Wisdom Behind the Prohibition of Monasticism
An important wisdom behind the prohibition of monasticism is that when a person adopts isolation and monastic living, many of his abilities become inactive, and his natural human disposition—which requires food, drink, and recreation—becomes weakened. Once the human body becomes weak, a person can no longer perform worship and obedience properly and completely, even though worshipping Allah the Almighty is the primary purpose of human creation.
Likewise, by adopting a monastic lifestyle, some of the most important human qualities—such as thinking, possessing willpower, and working—also become neglected, despite the fact that human beings are obligated to fulfill these responsibilities.
Abdullah ibn Abbass (RA) said, “Allah has made eating and drinking lawful as long as there is no extravagance or arrogance in them. As for the amount a person truly needs—what removes hunger and quenches thirst—it is desirable and praiseworthy according to both reason and the Shariah, because it preserves life and maintains the senses. For this reason, the Shariah prohibited wisal (continuous fasting without breaking the fast), since it weakens the body, exhausts the soul, and makes a person weak in worship.”
Therefore, both the Shariah and sound intellect reject such behaviour. Whoever deprives himself even of what is necessary gains neither virtue nor true asceticism, because what he loses in acts of obedience due to weakness and inability is far greater in reward and benefit.
Another wisdom behind the prohibition of monasticism is the increase of the Muslim Ummah (nation). As Abdullah ibn Abi Safrah stated, “The Prophet (PBUH) prohibited remaining unmarried and forbade monasticism because he wished for his nation to be numerous on the Day of Judgment and to take pride in them before the other nations.” Likewise, in this world, this Ummah confronts the disbelieving groups through its people, and in the end times they will fight against the Dajjal (Antichrist).” [1]
Fakhruddin Razi (RA) mentioned four reasons for the prohibition of monasticism (extreme isolation and complete abandonment of lawful pleasures), which may be summarized as follows:
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Weakening the Body and Mind
Extreme monasticism and complete avoidance of lawful blessings and pleasures weaken essential organs of the body such as the heart and brain. When these organs become weak, human thinking becomes disturbed and the intellect becomes impaired. Since the greatest happiness and the nearest path to Allah is knowing Him, anything that harms human intellect and understanding is naturally prohibited. [2]
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True Strength Lies in Balance
Although excessive attachment to physical pleasures may prevent spiritual and intellectual growth, this mainly applies to weak individuals. Strong and complete individuals are capable of benefiting from lawful pleasures while also attaining spiritual and intellectual excellence.
In reality, a person who becomes occupied with one matter and completely neglects another possesses a weak soul. The stronger the soul becomes, the better it can maintain balance between both aspects. Thus, monasticism reflects a form of weakness, while true perfection lies in moderation and balance.
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Lawful Enjoyment Can Support Spiritual Growth
A person who benefits from lawful pleasures with the intention of gaining strength for intellectual and spiritual pursuits is in fact engaging in a greater struggle. This is because controlling the soul and using desires correctly is more difficult than abandoning them altogether. Therefore, true perfection lies in this balanced approach.
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Monasticism Harms Human Civilization
Monasticism leads to the destruction of worldly life, agriculture, and human reproduction. However, if a person abandons monasticism while continuing to pursue knowledge of Allah, love for Him, and worship of Him, then both worldly life and the Hereafter flourish together.
From all these discussions, it becomes clear that Islam is not a religion that accepts monasticism. Rather, it is a religion founded upon faith, righteous deeds, and worship. [3]
Islam permits people to enjoy adornments and lawful blessings, guides them to fulfill the rights of both body and soul, encourages marriage, and forbids lifelong celibacy and excessive isolation.
This stands in contrast to Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions that strongly embrace monasticism and consider it a fundamental part of their religious beliefs.
To be continued…
References:
- Tafsir al-Qurtubi, vol. 7, p. 191.
- Tafsir al-Qurtubi, vol. 6, p. 262.
- Mafatih al-Ghayb, vol. 12, pp. 75–76.
