What Is Islams View on Solitude?

Question

What is Islam’s point of view on people who prefer solitude?

Answer

Quran Mentions: Then, We sent after them, Our Messengers, and We sent ‘Iesa (Jesus) ­ son of Maryam (Mary), and gave him the Injeel (Gospel). And We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him, compassion and mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them, but (they sought it) only to please Allâh therewith, but that they did not observe it with the right observance. So We gave those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh). (Al-Hadid 57:27)

this verse makes it explicit that monasticism is an unIslamic crced, and it has never been part of the true Faith. The same thing has been stated by the Holy Prophet thus: “There is no monasticism in Islam.” (Musnad Ahmed).

According to a tardition related both by Bukhari ant by Muslim, one of the Companions said that he would keep up Prayers throughout the night; another said that he would fast perpetually without ever observing a break; and a third one said the he would never marry and would have nothing to do with women. When the Holy Prophet (upon whom be Allah’s peace) came to know of what they had resolved, he said: ‘By God, I fear Allah the most and remain conscious of Him at all times; yet my way is that I observe the fast as well as break it; I keep up the Prayer during the night as well as have sleep; and I marry the women also. The one who dces not follow my way, does not belong to me ” .

Hadrat Anas says that the Holy Prophet (upon whom be Allah’s peace) used to say: “Do not be- hard and severe to yourselves lest AIIah should be hard and severe to you. A community had adopted this way of severity towards itself; then Allah also seized it in severity. Look, the remainder of them are found in the monasteries and churches. ” (Abu Da ‘ud).