Piety and seclusion
- Updated On Saturday, 21 June 2014
- Written by Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini
- Editor Kawther Rahmani
- Supervisor Sayyed Roohullah Musavi
- Published on Tuesday, 06 July 2010
- Hits: 640 views
- Hits: In the Islamic perspective does piety necessitate monasticism or seclusion?
Monasticism, and the resultant declining acceptance of social responsibilities, not only cannot be considered to be a manifestation of piety, but, on the contrary, in some cases it actually contradicts righteousness. Islam does not believe in seclusion and monasticism, and therefore it does not command its followers to decline the acceptance of social responsibilities and live a secluded life in order to refrain from sins, rather Islam emphasizes upon the acceptance of social obligations, while at the same time one should practice self-restraint and self-control by means of piety so as to avoid sins and deviations. Islam does not say that we should not accept lawful positions of power, rather it says that we should accept them only for the sake of God's Pleasure and that we should serve the people and not be a slave to rank and position. Islam says that we should not make our position and authority a means of satisfying our selfish whims and passions, nor should we make this our sole aim so that we do not deviate from the straight path. Islam does not say that we need to refrain from business activities and not make efforts for earning a living in order to acquire piety, instead it says: "Don't be a slave and prisoner of the world." Islam does not say, "Quit this world and live a monastic life to worship God-Almighty in seclusion," rather it says to live in this world and do your best for its development and progress but don't become worldly or infatuated with its charms. Instead, utilize it for attaining higher and more exalted spiritual stations and ascension towards God's Nearness. This is what piety, which has been described as one of the most exalted human virtues or characteristics, is supposed to be in the school of Islam.