Probing Islam - Religiosity or Spiritual

Religiosity or Spiritual

This whole Chapter intends an exploration of ‘religiosity’, which some see as ‘ a rather static situation’ encompassing ‘active religiousness which may go on to deeper spirituality’. You will have your own understanding of the difference of course.

Introduction

You think you are spiritual but not religious? You think you do not use dogma? Think again. Since spiritual means incorporeal or without body, one cannot be (in this world) just spiritual. Just as one cannot separate the soul from the body, one cannot separate spirituality from the body of religion (link-back to the spirit). Similar to the physicality of heart, other organs and the body, though different, spirituality and religion are inseparable and complementary. Religion is the body of teachings and practices which lead to spiritual-realizations. ‘I am spiritual but not religious’ is not only intellectually false but also demonstrates a spiritual/religious laziness, lack of commitment and even perhaps an inherent prejudice. The antonym of ‘spiritual’ is "secular" which is worldly, not religious. The ‘body’ of religious rules, rituals, scripture and practices are the vital foundation that leads one to spiritual experiences. Religion is also the outcome of Spiritual-Realizations. Thus, true spirituality and religion work harmoniously together soul and body. Of course a person can be religious and not go very deep into an understanding and experience of the Spirit.

(website, exploring ’New Age’ delusions; precis of another site’s offering – with thanks)


‘A CURSORY BOW’ NOT ACCEPTABLE
Islam does not criticise us about our capability to appreciate God and Man’s life on earth, just that the West has in its slide into materialism long since forgotten God. Muslims try to pray five times a day. The majority possibly, probably give it a cursory bow, so be it. But westerners, en masse, give not one moment to God in their busy, so-physical, so-materialistic living. (The majority of) Westerners might remember and genuflect to God once a year? To Muslims, devout Muslims particularly, that is not acceptable.
(booklet, website, Dr Shahid Athar, Islamic writer)