The sound ‘Om’ is an ancient syllable that is spiritually and culturally important in several Eastern religions (particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism). In these traditions “Om” is known as a sacred sound, or vibration, which represents the essence of the universe. But for Muslims and if we want to understand “Om in Islam,” it’s worth to look if this term or any other similar concept exists in Islamic teachings or the Quran.
Key Takeaways
- “Om” in Religious Contexts: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism all have a sacred sound called ‘Om’ which is the ‘essence’ of the universe.
- Absence of “Om” in Islam: As “Om” is a polytheistic topic, Islamic teachings do not state it and the Quran does not mention “Om” too.
- Islamic Perspective on Worship and Meditation: Worship (Islamic) practices as such, such as Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and Salah (prayer), etc are only for Allah and do not involve associations with any other entities.
- Monotheism in Islam: Islam is monotheistic and forbids the use of symbols or sounds that resemble polytheistic beliefs.
- Inner Peace through Islamic Practices: Dhikr is a Quranic practice that generates a bond with Allah by making Muslims lead a peaceful fresh life.
Understanding the Origin, and Significance of that is known as “Om”
In Hindu tradition ‘Om’ is the primordial sound from which the whole universe was created. The sound is regarded as the sound of the joining between all living beings and as a divine essence. It is believed chanting ‘Om’ for peace and mental clarity, links the individual with the cosmos.
“Om” also has a central place in Buddhism and Jainism, for they are known to hold suicide savers for reading prayers associated with inner peace and enlightenment. This is a journey from the physical world to the state of deep consciousness. Yet could we find a similar practice, or perhaps, a concept, in Islam?
Is “Om” Mentioned in the Quran?
The Quran, Islam’s foundational text, doesn’t mention “Om.” It does not even make mention of “Om” as a concept, word, or sound anywhere in its verses. The Quran stresses the monotheism and the one and only Allah (God).
Although “Om” is a polytheistic practice and has a meaning of a cosmic essence or universal divinity, Islam models monism: there is only one creator — Allah and he created the universe without any or joined aspects. As a result, any concept that even hints at “Om” does not match up with Islamic beliefs in God’s oneness, or Tawhid and the absolute power he has over creation.
“Om in Islam”: Differences in Islamic Practice and Belief
Chanting practice like “Om” is a practice of chanting which strives to find the alignment of our spirit with the universe whereas Islamic practices are submission to Allah using praying (Salah), remembering (Dhikr), and begging Allah (Dua).
Here are key aspects to understand about “Om in Islam” and how it differs:
- Purpose and Origin: Chanting ‘Om’ comes from a belief connected to Hindu and Buddhist cosmology and Islamic practices are related to the Quran and Hadith (not with the chanting of sounds or syllables with mystical meaning).
- Forms of Worship: The Salah and Dhikr are ways of remembering and praising Allah, so Muslims engage in Salah and Dhikr. For Dhikr the phrases used are specific and prescribed such as ‘SubhanAllah’ (Glory be to Allah’, ‘Alhamdulillah’ (All praise be to Allah’), and ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah the Greatest). All sounds or syllables that describe Allah and His attributes are allowed, whereas sounds and syllables that do not serve as reference to Allah and His attributes are not.
- Unity with the Divine: Often ‘Om’ refers to a connection with the universe itself. However, Islam teaches that those who are believers are to impact Allah in worship and linking only. The Quran emphasizes that God is unique and entirely separate from His creation, as stated in Surah Al-Ikhlas: Then, “Say, ‘He is Allah, [Who is] One’ ” (Quran 112:1).
Meditation and Peace in Islam
Islam has its neat ways in terms of achieving peace and tranquility. As a form of meditation, Muslims engage in Dhikr to draw themselves closer to Allah while “Om” chanting is an especially popular way of meditative practice. The Prophet also used to encourage people to reflect on the universe to appreciate God’s creation.
The Position of “Om” in Islam
To cut a long story short, there is no place for ‘Om’ in the Quran and Hadith, nor any Islamic teachings. Islam never allows such concepts as ‘Om in Islam’ because Islam is based on monotheism and explicitly rejects polytheistic practice. Despite the practice of synching up with huge superior energy or finding inner calm is, in general, acceptable in religion, Islam emphasizes practices in step with Quranic guidance, in addition to the remembrance of God without being linked to cosmic sounds and vibrations.
The Quran is clear on what spirituality in Islam means and offers clear guidelines in island practices towards peace, self-awareness, and closeness to Allah.
If you’re interested in Religion, click here to read more articles and enjoy!
