The Meaning of Murakaba and Feeling Allah
Murakaba is the profound awareness a servant has at every moment – in every action and even every thought – that Allah sees, hears, and knows them. Mentioned by Imam Ghazali among the paths to salvation as “Murakaba and Muhasebe,” it is the clearest evidence of reaching the dimension of ihsan (excellence) in faith. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described ihsan as “worshipping Allah as if you see Him; for even though you do not see Him, He sees you.” As stated by scholars, “Murakaba is the heart’s awareness of being close to the Exalted Allah.” This consciousness purifies the believer’s intentions and protects them from hypocrisy and shirk (associating partners with Allah) in both overt and covert actions.
The Importance of Self-Accounting (Muhasebe)
Spiritual refinement begins with a person confronting their own shortcomings and holding themselves accountable. It is said, “The most effective thing between a person and Allah is self-accounting.” Great saints would, upon evening, meticulously review the actions they performed that day, seek forgiveness for their errors, and express gratitude to Allah for their good deeds. A wise individual is one who judges themself and disciplines their nafs (lower self) in this world, before being held accountable in the great court of the Hereafter. Opposing the nafs, extinguishing the fire of pride and desires, is only possible through rigorous self-accounting.
Preserving Time and Divine Presence
For those who practice Murakaba, the most valuable asset is the present “moment.” A servant knows that time spent without remembering the Almighty Allah – “from one breath to the next” – is wasted. A person who consumes their breaths in heedlessness misses out on the greatest opportunities of eternal life. The believer who lives outwardly according to the etiquette of sharia and inwardly with the attentiveness of Murakaba begins to read the manifestation of Divine Power in every particle of existence. The servant, aligning all actions – hidden and overt – with Allah’s pleasure, is safe from the deceptions of the nafs and attains true tranquility.