Those who have no contact with the outside world (Convent, Jail, Monasteries...) can become more spiritual?

Question

Can they find faith in solitude?

Answer 1

Yes they can.

:)

However, monasticism in its strict sense is not allowed in Islam as mentioned by Allah in Surah Hadid, Chapter 57, Verse 27:

"Then, We sent after them, Our Messengers, and We sent 'Iesa (Jesus) ­ son of Maryam (Mary), and gave him the Injeel (Gospel). And We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him, compassion and mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them, but (they sought it) only to please Allâh therewith, but that they did not observe it with the right observance. So We gave those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh)."

Having time alone surely draws one closer to God if that person seeks God instead of other distractions like drinking, doing drugs and the like.

Answer 2

How do those two even relate to each other? A convent or monastery is religious building so religion is required there. And they aren't completely isolated becasue they aren't locked in a room and the key thrown away like at a jail. It's not a rule that those who belong to convents or monasteries are isolated from everyone else as they can and do interact with the outside world. They simply choose not to live the same type of life that everyone else does. Most people could not last one day doing that.

Answer 3

Yes and no. I think it depends on the person. For me no as I desire human contact and I find when I am around people who have strong faith I myself become stronger in my faith. But for some it may. Remember the Prophet(peace be upon him) used to go to a cave and seek Allah. That's were he received the first revaluation. So for some yes and others no. If a person wants to be more spiritual they will find a way, weather that be in solitude or with others.

Answer 4

Hi Muslimah, as usual, another interesting question on God and religion. I believe everyone needs that alone time with God at some point in their life, that time God pulls you away from the world for a while to look just at him, but it's not a good thing for you to choose that to be for the rest of your life. Once you get grounded in the Lord, he wants you to go back out into the world and share what you've learned with other people and help them and be there for them.

Answer 5

Yes Ive read a few articles on this matter.

They all took the example of people who were thrown into jail and came out as Muslims.

Malcolm X being a primary example of one of these.

I myself think theres a lot of sense in that.

Maybe because people can find the truth when theyre left unaffected by outside sources but rather sit and contemplate on their life.

“One hour's meditation on the work of the Creator is better than seventy years of prayer” Muhammad (salawaat ul allah alayh wa ahluhu)

Answer 6

i've known many people like this, but for a lot of them it is hard to maintain that faith once they become a part of the outside world again (if they ever do, in the instance of imprisonment).

i think it comes from not having any other obligations. people see their lives as consisting of themselves alone and God. When there is nothing to corrupt your devotion or obligation to God it easy to be spiritual.

i think it is a beautiful thing but it is much harder to be spiritual when you have obligations of family and work to maintain as well. in my opinion, the struggle to faith is almost more honorable this way.

** just my opinion

peace and blessings to all

ps thanks for asking such an interesting question

Answer 7

If denying human society and living life itself makes one more spiritual, how spiritual it is to reject the gift of god?

Answer 8

I am not sure but I do know that isolation or restriction to only contact with specific thinking can make you more delusional.

Answer 9

What do they need the faith if they have god?