Monday 8 February to Sunday 14 February 2010

Editorial

This week’s topic is one which has caused great controversy and debate in 21^st century Britain.

For the Muslim, spirituality is more than a momentary feeling or experience, but is a constant state of being, realised through a consciousness of God. As the Qur’an states, ‘They remember God while standing, sitting, and on their sides and they reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth: “Our Lord, You did not create all this in vain. Be You glorified. Save us from the retribution of the Hellfire.”‘ [3:191]

It is hope and devotion directed to an everlasting, loving and protective Creator, as explained by a Prophetic tradition: ‘God the Almighty said: ‘I am as My servant thinks I am. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assembly better than it. And if he draws near to Me an arm’s length, I draw near to him a fathom’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.’ [Bukhari]

The last decade has revealed a reinforcement of science and consumerism as a kind of substitute for spiritual  and religious thinking in Britain, where many would say life is centred around materially satisfying the self and the only people worth listening to are the  labcoat-clad folks clutching test tubes and scalpels.

Or some may say that the past few years have demonstrated an increase in spiritual practice and meditation with a genuine appreciation of its impact on our lives. The number of religious TV channels have also increased, to cater for a growing and increasingly diverse audience.

Religion has also been at the heart of the ‘war on terror’ and the media spotlight. But it also continues to be at the heart of humanitarian charities in Britain. How do we reconcile these two aspects?

Have we, as a nation, lost our spirituality? Or are faith, religion and God still at the forefront of everything we do?  Can spirituality be realised in the absence of a God?

Are religious people divisive and unable to integrate? Or are they leading the way forward in understanding and welcoming difference, yet unjustly stigmatised?

We address these engaging questions, and more, under this week’s theme – spirituality.

The Platform Editorial Team