Islam and Yoga 21

We are going through sub divisions of Niyama, the second main division of Yoga.

In that series now let us see briefly about Tapas

Islam and Tapas

The word Tapas leads one to wild forest where sages are in deep state of meditation oblivious of surroundings

Here we are discussing

Islam and Tapas

Wherein Tapas indicates a simple economically austere life style avoiding wasteful expenses and luxury

Islam has not fixed any standard of living with a minimum or maximum ceiling.. However, it is the basic principle of the economic system of Islam that every citizen of an Islamic state should have at least basic necessaries of life.

Islam generally recommends that one should lead a life of simplicity and austerity

We are taking austerity in the sense of economy, simplicity, plainness, self-denial and self-discipline especially in expenses on living. In other words, austerity here means simple and economical standard of living or life style.

………and be not prodigal. Lo! Allah loveth not the prodigals Quran 6 141)

Prophet (PBUH) and his companions and successors, named in history as Righteous caliphs, are role model for austerity about which pages and pages can be written

Very few examples are given below

Family of Muhammad (PBUH) used to spend     many days continuously    with nothing to cook. Their food was only dates and water   
  

Never had the family of Muhammad (PBUH) eaten to the fill for three successive nights.

When Prophet (PBUH) left this world he was monarch of Arabian Kingdom spreading over many parts of the world. His possessions were only a small quantity of wheat flour, a few dresses and a simple rough bed

His dear daughter Fatima (Rali ) did not inherit even a dwelling house 

Umar, the second Caliph, hailing from a very rich business family    said, “I would be a bad ruler if I were to take nice (and good) things for myself and leave the bad ones for my citizens

Not in words alone but in deed he used to take coarse food only

Islam and Swadhya

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