Spiritual void is an inner feeling of emptiness or simultaneous restlessness of the heart that exists when a person gets unplugged from their Supreme Creator, Allah (SWT). It is stated by an esteemed classical scholar, that a heart of human encompasses a discrete void that cannot be occupied by the entire world or materialistic wealth, but with the longing of divine love, constant remembrance, and knowledge of Allah (SWT).
The environment and the surrounding around us have an ultimate motive. The rising of the sun in the east and setting in the west is itself an index of days and nights. The bursting of clouds causes rain to give life to the barren land that eventually becomes a means for the trees to grow. The ecological balance that exists due to the maintenance of food chain and food cycle. Each and everything has sense. Similarly, even our existence in this world has a purpose.
We often see people with smiling faces yet with empty hearts in our social circle. There is indeed a materialistic profusion in people’s lives whilst no satisfaction. Inner harmony seems to have conquered by the outer chaos of the worldly life. There is an emptiness, lack of contentment and joy and displeasure. There is uncertainty !! Why? This feeling is entitled to the sheer “spiritual emptiness. “Spiritual holes” in people’s hearts are undoubtedly an outcome of materialism and worldly desires which makes the people forget the spiritual realm, the ultimate driving force for a successful eternal life and good health by all means.
This void occurs due to undue unwarranted attachment to this Dunya, which is a temporary station of this worldly life, wealth or desires over the perpetual divine purpose. This void deepens with deserting our daily prayers, by constantly being distracted during prayers, being physically present yet mentally absent. Moreover, there are various minor sins that you continue to commit without sincerely repenting that accumulates, rusts or hardens your heart – al-qalb al-qasi. Yo also tend to break ties from kinship, fail to empathize with your blood lines that further deepens the void.
Spiritual void could be filled by means of attaining peace through submission to Allah (SWT) and our Deen, Islam- “submission, surrender” and derived from the three-word root seen-lam-meem, which also means “well-being, perfection, freedom and peace”.
Do they seek a way other than the Religion of Allah? –-While all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, willing or unwilling, bowed to His will that is Accepted Islam, and to Him they shall be brought back. (Surah Ali’ Imran, verse 83)
There are certain ways to overcome the hollowness within you by renewing the focus in your prayers and perceiving it as a direct dialogue with Allah (SWT) rather than considering it just a mere chore. One can increase the Dhikr of Allah (SWT) and mindful recitation of the Holy Quran while constantly supplicating to soften the heart and to keep the mind devoted towards the righteous deed. Moreover, reflecting on the Quran by reading its verses not just as words but by taking them as a guidance. An act of charity by helping needy people, empathizing and breaking oneself from ego and pride could lessen the spiritual void.
Enjoin you Al-Birr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allah) on the people and you forget (to practice it) yourselves, while you recite the Scripture (the Taurat, Torah)! Have you then no sense? And seek help in patience and As-Salah (the prayer) and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khashiun [i.e. the true believers in Allah – those who obey Allah with full submission, fear much from His Punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise, etc.) and in His Warnings (Hell, etc.)].” (Al-Baqarah 2:44-45)
There are a lot of times when we get engaged in certain religious activities yet there is an excavating, flaring, and yawning spiritual hole within us. In spite of all the righteous deeds, prayers become unfilled, you don’t enjoy reciting Quran rather in times of despair you can’t help but tend to find ways of entertainment such as listening to music, watching short reels, videos or scrolling your social media that draws you away from your real motive. You end up in a vicious pattern of sinful activities despite of knowing that you could actually opt yourself with something productive deed. In short, one needs to have a balance between Deen and Dunya.
“And seek help in patience and As-Salah (the prayer) and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khashi’un (i.e. the true believers in Allah – those who obey Allah with full submission, fear much from His Punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise, etc.) and in His Warnings (Hell, etc.)).” (Al-Baqarah 2:45)
We ought to seek aid in persistence and patience for instance getting yourself to wake up for prayers, recite some Quranic verses or memorize some Ayat or do some Ibadah, or make some Dua, memorize a new Dua or two. One has to train themselves to endure Sabr, true means of tranquility.
He (SWT) says: “Seek help in Salah.” Prayer is supposed to be the ultimate solution of all problems. You see, when Allah (SWT) says “seek help”, there is a problem for which you seek help. The problem was (mentioned) in the previous Ayat: you tell people to do good, but you forget about it yourself. Allah (SWT) says: in order to help yourself get out of this problem, turn to prayer; turn to Salah.
There are various spiritual exercises in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), many practices of higher stages such as fasting every Monday and Thursday, and offering Tahajjud and Ishraq prayers.
Did you then think that We had created you without purpose and that you would never be returned to Us? (Surah Al Mu’minun, verse 115)
I did not create jinn and humans except to worship me. (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 56)
From the above two verses of the Holy Quran, purpose of human existence is defined. We are created to worship Allah and will return to Him. This worldly life is temporary and whereas the life Hereafter, is permanent. The understanding of this belief develops an understanding of the divine purpose to prepare for the hereafter. This keeps us focused, away from the distractions and evils of this Dunya, which otherwise causes spiritual hollowness in our hearts.
Furthermore, you become extremely over joyed when you get showered with unconditional love, care and get all the attention whereby naturally expecting the same in return as its always two ways. Infact this spiritual void could only be occupied if we long and love our Creator – Allah (SWT). No form of human love can ever make us feel content and suffice the feeling we crave desperately. Humans are always in dire need of affection from other people and often tend to forget that Allah (SWT) is Al Wadud (The Most Loving) Who loves us 70 times more than our mother. Hence, no love parallel to it could ever be sufficient for His slaves. Had we known the love, Allah has for us, our hearts would thaw and shatter.
“When Allah loves someone He calls to Jibreel’ alayhi salatu wassalam( Allah be pleased with him) saying, ‘O Jibreel, I love such and such a person, so love him.’ Then Jibreel will call to the angels of the heavens, ‘Allah loves such and such a person so love him.’ And the angels will love ( that person).And then Allah will place acceptance on earth for that believer.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest (Surah Ar-Ra’d, verse 28
Salah and zikr are undeniably the spiritual means of salvation in our lives. Many of us find peace after reciting the Qur’an. And why not? It is a divine revelation that guides everyone with the ultimate truth, removes sadness from life and provides unexplained healing.
Verily, your Lord is Generous and Shy. If His servant raises his hands to Him (in supplication), He becomes Shy to return them empty (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)
Supplication (Dua) has the supremacy to change the Qadr and a constant route of communication with Allah, a reminder of closeness to Allah. There is no other better way to fill our spiritual void than to ask Allah especially in times of distress where He grants us ease. Subhan’Allah!
“Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth?”( Surah An-Naml, verse 62)
The spiritual void has infused the Ummah causing them to suffer. It is high time we examine our hearts and souls and nurture our relationship with Allah (SWT).
There is an emptiness in the deep ocean of the heart that only the presence of God can fill.
There resides a sorrow that can only be ended by the joy and truthfulness of His knowledge.
The soul has become a desert where nothing grows except His love, remembrance, and worship.
Even if the kingdom and wealth of the entire world were placed at your feet, it would still not fill the loving emptiness of your heart.