Defining TAQARRUB (تقرب)
TAQARRUB (تقرب) means “seeking admittance” or “striving to draw near.” This concept signifies a Muslim’s desire to draw nearer to Allah through acts of worship, charity, prayer, and other forms of devotion.
Etymology and Background
The term ‘Taqarrub’ comes from the root word ‘q-r-b’ (قرب), which means nearness or proximity. In the Qur’an and Hadith, this root frequently conveys nearness to Allah, both physically in the sense of presence and metaphorically concerning sincerity and devotion.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Similarities:
- Personal Piety: Across various Islamic cultures, Taqarrub is expressed through personal piety and moral conduct.
- Ritual Practices: Salat (prayer), Zakat (almsgiving), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage) are common acts aimed at achieving Taqarrub.
Differences:
- Expression of Devotion: Methods and intensity of striving to achieve Taqarrub may vary across different Muslim communities.
- Cultural Practices: While the fundamentals remain, cultural practices like Qurban (ritual sacrifice) might have unique local expressions.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Ibadah (عبادة) - Worship
- Ikhlas (إخلاص) - Sincerity
- Tatwir (تطوير) - Elevation
Antonyms:
- Nifaq (نفاق) - Hypocrisy
- Kufr (كفر) - Disbelief
- Riya (رياء) - Showing Off
Related Terms and Definitions
- Ihsan (إحسان): Excellence in worship, being consciously aware that God always sees one’s actions.
- Taqwa (تقوى): God-consciousness or piety.
- Dhikr (ذكر): Remembrance or contemplation of Allah.
Exciting Facts
- Taqarrub involves both internal (heartfelt) and external (ritualistic) practices.
- Each pillar of Islam reflects an act of Taqarrub, enabling Muslims to achieve closeness to Allah through structured devotion.
Quotations
-
Iqbal on Devotion: “The secret of the self lies in the seeking admittance to the Divine, in the yearning for Taqarrub.”
-
Imam Ghazali on Sincerity: “True Taqarrub is not one of mere actions, but one of purity and sincerity of the heart.”
Suggested Literature for Further Study:
- “Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship” by Al-Ghazali: An exploration of how various acts of worship bring Muslims closer to God.
- “The Purification of the Soul” by Ahmad Farid: Discusses how inner purification fosters closeness to Allah.
- “The Vision of Islam” by Sachiko Murata and William C. Chittick: Provides comprehensive insights into Islamic spiritual practices.
Quizzes:
May your journey toward nearness to Allah be continually blessed and enriched with enlightenment and sincerity.
Fatimah Al-Khalil, 2023
