HAWĀ (هـوا)
Definition
HAWĀ (هـوا) refers to “desire” or “love,” particularly unholy desires or lusts, within the context of Islamic mysticism, specifically Ṣūfīsm. It encompasses both physical and spiritual aspects of longing, often connoting a sense of uncontrolled or unholy desires that lead one away from spiritual purity.
Etymology
The Arabic term “HAWĀ” (هـوا) has its roots in the triconsonantal root h-w-y (ه و ي), which generally means to incline, to desire, or to love.
Transliteration
- Arabic: هـوا
- Turkish: Heva
Usage in Islamic Mysticism
In Ṣūfī terminology, HAWĀ is often used to describe desires that deviate from the divine or spiritual path. It includes:
- Hawā-i-Nafṣānī (هواي نفساني): “The lust of the flesh”; refers to physical desires that distract from spiritual pursuits.
- Ahl-i-Hawā (أهل الهوا): “A skeptic, an unbeliever”; those who are consumed by such desires and skepticism, leading a life contrary to faith and divine guidance.
Significance in Ṣūfīism
Ṣūfī mystics emphasize controlling HAWĀ to achieve spiritual purity and closeness to Allah. They often view unrestrained desires as barriers to divine enlightenment and advocate self-discipline and asceticism to overcome these base inclinations.
Further Studies
For an in-depth understanding of HAWĀ and its implications in Islamic mysticism, the following books are recommended:
- “The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi” by William C. Chittick
- “Light Upon Light : Inspirations from Rumi " by Andrew Harvey
- “Divine Love: Islamic Literature and the Path to God” edited by William C. Chittick and Sachiko Murata
Takeaways
- HAWĀ represents unholy desires and physical lust.
- The term is critical in Ṣūfīsm, where it signifies a deviation from spiritual path.
- Controlling HAWĀ is essential for attaining spiritual purity in Islamic mysticism.
Conclusion
Understanding HAWĀ within the framework of Islamic teachings highlights the importance of self-discipline and spiritual awareness. It underscores a key element of Ṣūfī practice which is to overcome lower desires to attain a higher state of spiritual existence.
