Is Meditation Haram in Islam? Of Course Not!

If you’re suffering from anxiety, overthinking, or overwhelming stress, you may have gotten the advice to do some meditation to clear your mind.

As Muslims, we need to verify the permissibility of every act we do in our daily lives and make sure it aligns with the principles of our religion. So, is meditation haram in Islam?

No, mediation isn’t haram. On the contrary, we’re encouraged to meditate and contemplate Allah’s creations, as long as we do it with the right intentions. Here’s everything you need to know about the matter:

Is Meditation Haram in Islam?

Meditation is a practice that includes a wide range of techniques—these techniques can vary depending on the religious or traditional origins of the person meditating.

In general, meditation serves multiple purposes, from clearing the mind to worshipping God.

In Islam, the concept of meditation is supported and backed up by proof from the Quran. It involves the examination of your inner self and doing a silent dhikr of Allah. On top of that, it may be in the form of contemplating the beauty of Allah’s creations around us, like the skies, seas, or beautiful sceneries.

Medication can actually help you improve your focus while praying if you do it right. It can also help you clear your mind to do Duaa without the distractions of your daily life.

While doing meditation, your intention should be to strengthen your bond with Allah, make Duaa with a clear mind, and contemplate the world around you with no distractions. As a bonus, doing so will bring you peace of mind and serenity

To sum it up, meditation in its religious form isn’t only permissible in Islam but also encouraged as a means of spiritual growth and self-discipline. By directing your thoughts and intentions towards Allah, you can use meditation to develop mindfulness and do Duaa with a clear mind. And in the end, Allah knows best!

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When Is Meditation Considered Haram?

In a lot of cases, some practices are either considered haram or halal in Islam based on the intention behind them. If you’re doing it for Allah, it’s halal. If you’re doing it with the intention of imitating another religion or Western culture, you may want to rethink your choice.

Meditation can be considered haram in Islam when it involves practices or chants linked to other religious or cultural traditions that contradict the laws of Sharī’ah. 

These forms of meditation are often reflections of other religions or cultures, and they may include elements that are incompatible with Islamic principles. 

For example, meditation practices that incorporate religious elements from Hinduism are impermissible.

Islam supports the form of meditation known as tafakkur (contemplation) and dhikr (remembrance). 

These practices are done solely to improve your bond with Allah and align yourself with your religion, and they don’t include chants from other religions.

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Proof That Meditation Is Actually Encouraged in Islam

The Quran contains several expressions that are strikingly similar to the concept of meditation, encouraging Muslims to engage in the remembrance of Allah and to contemplate the beauty of His creation. 

For example, this verse in Surah Al-Hashr encourages Muslims to reflect on how significant Quranic revelations are:

“Had We sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, verily, thou wouldst have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of Allah. Such are the similitudes which We propound to men, that they may reflect.” (Quran 59:21)

Another example is in Surah Al-Imran, where Muslims are encouraged to reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth:

“Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the succession of night and day, there are indeed messages for all who are endowed with insight, [and] who remember God when they stand, and when they sit, and when they lie down to sleep, and [thus] reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: ‘O our Sustainer! You have not created [aught of] this without meaning and purpose. Limitless art You in Your glory! Keep us safe, then, from suffering through fire!'” (Quran 3:190-191)

These verses reflect how meditation is encouraged in Islam if you use it to reflect on Allah’s beautiful creations and contemplate the creation of the life around you. There are plenty of similar examples in the Quran, promoting inner spiritual peace and contemplation.

The most significant example of how Islam encourages meditation is the time Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) spent in the Cave of Hira—the place where he received the first Quranic revelation. He spent some time in the Cave contemplating the world around him and waiting for messages from Allah, which may be considered one form of meditation.

How to Do Correct Meditation in Islam

Meditation in Islam involves a process of deep contemplation and remembrance of Allah. Here are the steps to perform Islamic meditation correctly:

• Choose a Quiet Place: Find a quiet, clean place where you won’t be disturbed. This could be a corner in your home or any peaceful environment that allows you to focus without distractions.
• Perform Ablution (Wudu): Begin by performing ablution. This not only purifies you physically but also helps prepare you mentally and spiritually for the meditation.
• Sit Comfortably: Sit in a comfortable position, either cross-legged on the floor or on a chair if you prefer. Ensure your back is straight, and your hands are resting comfortably.
• Set Your Intention (Niyyah): Make a sincere intention in your heart that you are engaging in meditation to seek closeness to Allah, purify your heart, and reflect on His greatness.
• Begin with Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Start by reciting the names of Allah, such as “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to Allah), “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah), “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest), or any other phrases of dhikr. You can also recite verses from the Quran or any duas (supplications).
• Focus Your Mind: Clear your mind of all distractions and focus solely on Allah. Visualize His presence and imagine that He is watching over you. This helps to deepen your sense of connection with Him.
• Contemplate on Allah’s Attributes: Reflect on the attributes of Allah, such as His mercy, power, wisdom, and love. Contemplate how these attributes manifest in your life and in the world around you.
• Reflect on Creation: Ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of day and night, and the beauty of nature. Consider how all of these reflect the greatness and creativity of Allah.
• Self-Examination: Engage in introspection and self-examination. Reflect on your actions, intentions, and the state of your heart.
• End with Dua (Supplication): Conclude your meditation with a heartfelt dua, asking Allah for guidance, strength, and the ability to remain steadfast in your faith.

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The Final Verdict: Is Meditation Haram?

If you do meditation with the right intentions, then it’s not haram. As Muslims, we’re encouraged to contemplate our surroundings and engage in introspection to work on our shortcomings, which is one form of meditation.

However, it’s worth noting that some known forms of meditation are associated with other religions like Hinduism, and include chants that don’t align with Islamic principles. It’s better to be mindful of what form of meditation you’re going for and make sure your intention is solely for Allah.

And Allah knows best!

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