Retreat and Seclusion
Retreat and seclusion are processes aimed at achieving spiritual clarity and drawing closer to Allah Almighty. Seclusion involves temporary isolation, with the primary goal of deepening focus on worship, contemplation, and self-purification. During this period, an individual detaches from the external world to delve into their inner self and foster a deeper connection with themselves and with Allah. This process is akin to unlocking one’s spiritual barriers, ultimately leading to personal growth and spiritual elevation.
Explaining Seclusion Through a Scientific Example
To better understand this concept, we can draw an analogy from modern science: cloning.
Cloning is the process of creating a new organism from a single cell or a group of cells. In the past, scientists faced significant challenges in achieving this process. Although each cell contains all the information necessary to form a complete organism, it could only produce a specific type of cell. For example, a skin cell would only produce skin, and an eye cell would produce the eye. The reason behind this limitation was that the information within each cell was locked and inaccessible.
After years of research, scientists discovered that unlocking this information required altering the cell’s environment—reducing its nutrition and bringing it close to a state of near-death. Under these exceptional conditions, cells were able to unlock all their genetic information. This groundbreaking discovery led to the cloning of the first living organism, the sheep “Dolly,” in 1996.
Seclusion in the Qadiri Kasnazani Order
In the Qadiri Kasnazani Order, “seclusion” is considered one of the fundamental principles of spiritual practice. Seclusion entails withdrawing from worldly distractions and establishing a direct connection with Allah Almighty. This process is not only aimed at purifying the soul and achieving divine proximity but also at strengthening the willpower to resist the whispers of the self and avoid sins.
The Concept and Legitimacy of Seclusion
Seclusion in the Qadiri tradition is rooted in deep Islamic and mystical teachings. It involves distancing oneself from people to focus solely on the love of Allah, the ultimate Beloved. Allah Almighty states in the Qur’an:
“And remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with [complete] devotion.“ (Al-Muzzammil: 8)
Additionally, in a Qudsi hadith, Allah says:
“I am with the one who remembers Me.”
These texts clearly demonstrate the importance and esteemed position of seclusion in the lives of spiritual seekers and their journey toward God.
Seclusion in the Tradition of the Noble Prophet (PBUH)
The concept of seclusion was first exemplified by the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who would withdraw from people before his prophetic mission and retreat to the cave of Hira. There, he would seclude himself, worshiping Allah far from the noise of the world. In this state of devotion and meditation, he contemplated the creation of Allah and sought closeness to Him until the revelation first descended upon him in that blessed location.
Even after the advent of his prophethood, the Prophet (PBUH) continued this noble practice, demonstrating the significance of seclusion and retreat in refining the self and enhancing closeness to Allah Almighty.
Duration of Seclusion
The Minimum Period: The minimum recommended duration for seclusion is ten days, as the Prophet (PBUH) practiced i’tikaf (spiritual retreat) for ten days annually.
The Ideal Period: Many spiritual guides consider forty days to be the ideal duration for seclusion. This belief is rooted in the promise of Allah to Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), who spent forty nights in retreat in preparation to meet his Lord. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And We made an appointment with Moses for thirty nights and perfected them by [the addition of] ten; so, the term of his Lord was completed as forty nights.” (Al-A’raf: 142)
It is also narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“I stayed in the cave of Hira for a month, and when my period was complete, I returned to the valley and stayed there.“
This demonstrates the profound spiritual and transformative effects of extended periods of seclusion, as practiced by the Prophets and upheld in Islamic tradition.
The Status of Seclusion in the Tradition of Prophets and Mystics
These profound teachings highlight that seclusion is an exceptional opportunity for reflection, drawing closer to Allah Almighty, and strengthening faith. It has been adopted by prophets and mystics as a means of purification and spiritual refinement. Seclusion represents a blessed journey that returns individuals to their pure nature and reconnects them with the Creator.
Seclusion and Retreat in the Qadiri Kasnazani Order
In the Qadiri Kasnazani Order, seclusion and retreat are considered essential stages of the spiritual path. They aim to refine the self, draw closer to Allah, and attain inner purity. This approach involves multiple phases, which the seeker must adhere to meticulously under the guidance and supervision of the spiritual guide (sheikh). Special emphasis is placed on taking care of the body, engaging in acts of worship, reciting invocations (dhikr), and even maintaining specific practices related to eating and sleeping during the period of seclusion.
1. Seeking Permission from the Sheikh
Before embarking on any form of seclusion, the seeker must obtain direct permission from the sheikh. Without the guidance and oversight of the sheikh, seclusion can pose risks to the seeker. The sheikh is responsible for providing guidance and protection throughout this spiritual journey.
This structured and supervised approach ensures that the seeker benefits fully from the experience of seclusion while avoiding potential pitfalls along the way.
2. Nutrition During Seclusion
During seclusion, the diet must be light and distributed across four stages to ensure spiritual focus and avoid the effects of heavy foods:
- First Ten Days: A small piece of bread with a little fruit or vegetables, accompanied by tea.
- Second Ten Days: Half a piece of bread with a small amount of fruit or vegetables, along with tea.
- Third Ten Days: A quarter piece of bread with a minimal portion of fruit or vegetables.
- Final Ten Days:
- First Seven Days: Only three dates daily.
- Last Three Days: Restricted to water and tea only.
3. Worship and Invocations
Dhikrs (Invocations):
The seeker (mureed) is required to perform daily invocations in the morning, after noon, and evening, in addition to the constant invocations of the order. Each invocation must be repeated 100,000 times. If the seeker completes the designated invocation before the end of the seclusion, they are to restart the invocation from the beginning.
Prayers:
In addition to the five obligatory daily prayers, the seeker must perform the following additional prayers:
Ablution Prayer (Salat al-Wudu): Two rak’ahs after each ablution, before the water dries.
Two Rak’ahs Before Fajr: Performed before the Fajr prayer.
Duha Prayer: Performed after sunrise, with a minimum of four rak’ahs.
Four Rak’ahs Before Dhuhr and Four Rak’ahs After Dhuhr.
Four Rak’ahs Before Asr.
Two Rak’ahs After Maghrib.
Two Rak’ahs Before Isha and Two Rak’ahs After Isha.
Post-Maghrib Ritual:
After the Maghrib prayer, the seeker stands and recites “Ya Khabeer” (O All-Aware) 100 times, then sits down to continue their invocations.
This disciplined routine of prayer and remembrance strengthens the seeker’s spiritual connection and fosters inner purification during the seclusion period.
4. Posture During Seclusion
The seeker (mureed) is to sit in a cross-legged position or on their knees (as in the prayer sitting posture) and begin reciting the remembrance of Allah with complete focus. If they feel tired, they are allowed to sit in a comfortable position while keeping their eyes closed and their face directed toward the Qibla.
5. Thought Monitoring and Sleep
The seeker must refrain from thinking about worldly matters.
Sleep is prohibited except for one hour after sunrise.
It is strongly recommended to avoid sleeping at night entirely.
6. Physical and Spiritual Exercises
- Daily Walking: The seeker is required to walk 100 steps daily.
- Invocation During Movement: While walking, the seeker should recite the Dhikr: “Salla Allahu Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala Alayka Wa Sallam Ya Rasul Allah” 100 times.
- These practices are designed to maintain the seeker’s physical health, enhance spiritual discipline, and foster continuous mindfulness of Allah during the seclusion period.
7. Complete Disconnection from the External World
During seclusion, the seeker must completely refrain from any communication with the outside world, focusing solely on the remembrance of Allah and acts of worship.
8. Ending the Seclusion and Returning to Everyday Life
Upon completing the seclusion (typically lasting 40 days), the seeker gradually reintegrates into the external world while maintaining regular worship and daily Dhikrs. This transition must be supervised by the sheikh to avoid spiritual deviation or whispers from Satan.
Benefits of Seclusion
These practices help refine the self, purify the heart from desires and sins, and strengthen the will to resist the temptations of the self and Satan. Seclusion is a spiritual journey aimed at achieving a special closeness to Allah Almighty and attaining inner purity.
The Spiritual Training Program for Those Who Lack Time for Seclusion
For those who do not have sufficient time for seclusion, learning spiritual matters, and experiencing the sweetness of worship to attain purity and clarity of heart, this goal can be achieved through the spiritual training mentioned below. Training is a part of spiritual struggle (mujahada) and has unique benefits that illuminate the heart of the seeker and purify their inner self. In the Qadiri Kasnazani Order, precise and appropriate programs have been designed for this purpose, including the following:
1. Abstain from consuming animal products and their derivatives during the discipline period.
2. Gradually reduce bread consumption, as its effects and stimulation of desires are similar to meat and its derivatives.
3. Limit worldly speech and compensate with remembrance (dhikr).
4. Avoid overeating and excessive water consumption, as these lead to sleepiness and heedlessness.
5. Consume food that is unquestionably lawful (halal) and free of doubt regarding its source, as this is more conducive to awakening the heart.
The Ten-Day Discipline
A. Food:
- Breakfast: To be taken after the dawn prayer until the sun has risen above the horizon. It consists of a small amount of bread (preferably dry) and tea. Barley bread, if available, is preferable. A “small amount” is defined as twice the palm of the hand when spread open.
- Lunch: The same quantity of bread as breakfast, with the addition of fruits and vegetables.
B. Dhikrs (Litanies):
For seekers engaged in the first nine perennial dhikrs (from La ilaha illa Allah
to Ya Rahim), 10,000 repetitions are prescribed during the day and 3,000 at night, in addition to the daily dhikrs.
For those engaged in the last ten perennial dhikrs (from Subhana Allah, wal‑hamdu liLlah, wa la ilaha illa Allah, wa Allahu Akbar to La murad illa Allah), 4,000 repetitions are prescribed during the day and 1,000 at night, alongside the daily litanies.
C. Prayers:
Maintain the following prayers:
Al-Duha (4 units, its time begins 15-20 minutes after the sun rises until about 10-15 minutes before Dhuhr)
Al-Awwabeen (6 units, after Maghrib prayer)
Al-Tahajjud (10 units, performed after waking up at night)
- Al-Witr (3 units, after Isha, with its time extending until Fajr.)
- Al-Wudu (2 units after each ablution, before the water dries.)
- Al-Tasbih (4 units), divided into two 2 rak’ahs with Salutations at the end. In each rak’ah, recite Al-Fatiha and another portion of the Qur’an while standing. Then say the following 15 times: Astaghfirullah, Subhana Allah, wal‑ḥamdu liLlah, wa la ilaha illa Allah, wa Allahu Akbar, Wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah Al-Aliyy Al-Azeem, repeat this 10 times in every movement, e.g., bowing, prostration, sitting, the total becomes 75 praises per rak’ah).
D. Sleep:
Sleep at 11:00 PM and wake up one hour before dawn to perform night prayers.
E. Fasting:
Fast on Mondays, Thursdays, and the “white days” (13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month).
Additional Guidelines:
1. Avoid seeing oneself as superior to others, as this corrupts the discipline.
2. Minimize speech, laughter, and social interaction.
3. Diligently perform prayers at their prescribed times.
4. Conceal one’s practice of discipline as much as possible to avoid drawing attention.
5. Stick to scheduled meal times and avoid eating between meals, except for liquids.
6. Remain in a state of complete ablution (wudu) throughout the day.
7. Abstain from marital relations during the discipline to strengthen spiritual attributes and suppress physical desires.
8. Avoid high pillows and beds; sleep on the ground for its firmness, and refrain from using heavy coverings to rise for worship promptly and with energy.
The significance of hunger in spiritual discipline lies in its ability to strengthen the spirit and weaken desires, enabling the seeker to focus on remembrance (dhikr) and deeper contemplation.