Definition
AT̤-T̤IBBU ʾR-RŪḤĀNI (الطب الروحانى): Directly translated as “the spiritual medicine of the heart” in English, it is a term frequently employed among the Sufis to indicate the profound science behind understanding the heart’s ailments and applying remedies to maintain its spiritual health.
Etymology
The term is derived from Arabic:
- AT̤-T̤IBB (الطب): “Medicine”
- ʾR-RŪḤĀNI (الروحانى): “Spiritual” or “related to the spirit” The combination, thus, reflects a holistic approach to healing, focusing not on the physical but the spiritual aspects of the individual.
Background
Sufism, a mystical Islamic belief system, places at its core the purification and strengthening of the heart to achieve divine connection. The discipline encompasses a spectrum of practices aimed at self-purification, including dhikr (remembrance of God), muraqabah (meditation), and ascetic practices.
The Kitābu ʾt-Taʿrīfāt (Book of Definitions) is an essential Sufi text that elaborates on terminologies including At-T̤ibbu ʾr-Rūḥānī. This illustrates the importance placed on spiritual wellness alongside physical health within the Sufi path.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Differences:
- Western Medicine: Predominantly focuses on the physical body using scientific methods and technology.
- Eastern Traditions: While often encompassing traditional herbal remedies and acupuncture, still differ by embedding broader philosophical contexts.
- Sufi Practices: Uniquely centralize the heart’s spiritual status, emphasizing introspection and communion with God.
Similarities:
- Various cultures incorporate both physical and metaphysical (spiritual, emotional) healing modalities.
- The concept of “healing the heart” is universal though interpreted diversely across traditions.
Synonyms
- Spiritual Healing: Generally denotes a therapeutic practice focusing on spirituality.
- Heart Medicine: Another term relating to spiritual practices aimed for heart purification and healing.
Antonyms
- Material Medicine: Focuses solely on the physical aspect of health and well-being, sometimes disregarding spiritual considerations.
- Physical Therapy: Pertains exclusively to the physical body’s treatment.
Related Terms
- Dhikr (ذکر): A devotional act in Islam involving the repeated mention of God’s name.
- Definition: Practiced as both a communal and individual remedy for spiritual cleansing.
- Tazkiah (تزكية): The process of inner purification.
- Definition: Integral to Sufism, aimed at achieving a clean heart and soul.
- Muraqabah (مراقبة): Islamic meditation.
- Definition: A practice counseling mindful awareness of God throughout one’s daily life.
Exciting Facts
- Whirling Dervishes: The Sufi practice involves dance and music for spiritual enlightenment and healing.
- Alexander the Great: Sought spiritual guidance from Muslim mystic Khizr, believed to have elements of At-T̤ibbu ʾr-Rūḥānī in his teachings.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“In the eyes of Sufis, the heart is the very centerpiece of the human existence, a tender abode where the Divine Reality resonates and echoes.” – Rumi
“The cure for the heart’s ailments is always the remembrance of the Divine and the inward journey towards the Reality cloaked within our soul.” – Al-Ghazali
References
- “Revival of Religious Sciences” by Al-Ghazali
- “The Essential Rumi” translated by Coleman Barks
- “Al-Hikam” by Ibn Ata’illah al-Sakandari
- “The Conference of the Birds” by Farid ud-Din Attar
Suggested Literature and Other Sources for Further Study
- “The Sufi Path of Love” by William C. Chittick
- “The Garden of Truth” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Sufism: A Beginner’s Guide” by William C. Chittick
- “Mystical Dimensions of Islam” by Annemarie Schimmel
Engage in the profound wisdom entwining human wellness and spirituality and find therapeutic balm in the convergence of heart and mind.
Thought-Provoking Farewell
“To heal the heart is to unveil its truest essence. Embrace the journey within, for the landscape explored in silence holds treasures unmatched by the outer world.”
— Layla Al-Mansoori, October 15, 2023
