Spiritual Personalities in Islam

Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research is a research institute which aims to instil conviction and inspire contribution based on mainstream Islamic texts. As Muslims, we often face the question of what the best way is to practice our religion, develop our relationship with Allah and the Messenger of Allah, and emulate the companions of the Prophet Muhammad. It can feel as though there are so many different spiritual aspects to Islam that it is impossible to find the “correct” one. This question was posed to one of the greatest Muslim scholars, Imam Malik of Madinah, who was asked why he spends his time in circles of knowledge rather than the other aspects of faith, such as working directly in his Muslim society. He responded by explaining the idea of a spiritual personality, similar to the way we would understand our human personality.

“Certainly, Allah has divided good actions like he has divided His providence (rizq). It may be that prayer has been facilitated for a person, but fasting hasn’t. Another person may have a tendency for charity but not fasting… And I am happy with what Allah has facilitated for me (the pursuit of knowledge). I don’t think what I am focused on is lower than what you are focused on. Rather, I hope that we are both upon goodness and righteousness.”

This understanding makes space for the plethora of pursuits we are encouraged to undertake as Muslims, from worshipping Allah to cultivating good character, to practising societal and personal development. Importantly, these are not replacements for the obligations of faith, such as praying 5 times a day or fasting the month of Ramadan, but rather they are supplementary pursuits that allow us to emulate the Holy Prophet and please Almighty Allah. This approach gives us an insight into the Quranic understanding that

“Everyone will act according to their nature, and your Lord knows best who is rightly guided.” (Quran 17:84)