Bismillah
On Saturday, 13th September 2025, I had the blessing of joining the Associate Workshop on Mindfulness at Selly Park Convent Conference Centre as a guest speaker. Sisters and brothers from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and Muslim traditions came together to explore mindfulness from their unique spiritual perspectives.
The day reminded me that while our traditions may differ, our yearning for presence, peace, and connection is universal.
Sister Anna Connor, who hosted the event, creates spaces where participants can reflect honestly, share openly, and connect deeply. Her warmth and generosity set the tone for a day full of learning, reflection, and dialogue.
🌿 Experiencing Mindfulness Together
The morning began with a guided mindfulness exercise. We sat quietly, focused on our breath, and noticed the weight of our bodies, the rhythm of our hearts, and the sounds around us.
We practised mindful listening, paying full attention to the sounds in the room for thirty seconds. In that brief moment, the shift in awareness was tangible. This practice reflects muraqabah, spiritual vigilance, noticing both ourselves and God’s presence in every moment.
“Mindfulness begins with awareness, noticing the world, our hearts, and the presence of God in everything we do.”
🕌 Mindfulness in Islam
Mindfulness in Islam is dhikr. It is a remembrance that steadies the heart, calms the mind, and anchors the body in Allah’s presence.
Our daily salaat is the purest rhythm of mindfulness. Five times a day, the soul is invited to pause, breathe, and reconnect to God’s light. Prayer becomes a living channel of connection, not a routine.
Mindfulness in Islam is living with God in every thought, word, and action.
Reflecting on Creation: Surah Āl-‘Imrān 3:191
The Qur’an alludes to the creation in the universe
إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِي الْأَلْبَٰبِ
ٱلَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ قِيَٰمًۭا وَقُعُودًۭا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَٰطِلًۭا ۚ سُبْحَٰنَكَ ۖ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ“Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], ‘Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.’”
In this verse, God reminds us that mindfulness is continuous awareness in every state and action, not limited to rituals or meditation.
Our 1st holy Imam Ali (a.s.) says:
“The most complete devotion is consciousness of God in all things.”
Every action, whether it is eating, speaking, walking, or working, can become mindfulness in practice.
Finding Comfort in Remembrance: Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28
“ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُمْ بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ”
“Those who have faith and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah. Behold! The hearts find peace in Allah’s remembrance!”
The arabic words Dhikr means remembrance, tafakkur meaning pondering, and muraqabah, meaning self-awareness cultivates inner peace and clarity, anchoring the soul in every moment.
🛠 Practical Mindfulness in Daily Life
As a Muslimah, I am truly inspired by the Godly saints, our last messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) and the holy household of the pristine family of Ahlulbayt (a.s.), mindfulness can be infused into everyday actions:
Eating mindfully: Notice each bite, feel gratitude for sustenance.
Speaking mindfully: Reflect on the impact of words before speaking.
Walking consciously: Observe God’s signs in every step.
Praying fully present: Feel and understand every phrase in salaah.
Mindfulness is not extra work; it is living intentionally, making each moment sacred.
🌏 Interfaith Reflections
Participants from other faiths warmly received these teachings. Many recognized parallels in their own spiritual practices, making the day a space for authentic dialogue.
Alhamdulilah, it was a pleasure to gift Sister Anna the book Joining the Joyous Light: Reflections from Munajat Sha‘bāniyya by Dr. Mohammad Ali Shomali, as a token of appreciation for her work in creating reflective spaces.
The day concluded with afternoon tea, offering time to network, connect, and share experiences. Mindfulness is found both in solitude and shared presence, deepening connection with others while nurturing our own practice.
🌟 Carrying Mindfulness into Life
Walking away from Selly Park, I felt renewed clarity and calm. Mindfulness in Islam is not about escaping life but engaging fully, seeing God’s presence in every moment, and letting His remembrance guide us.
For young and old alike, dhikr, tafakkur, muraqabah, and mindful prayer are pathways to grounding, purpose, and soulful connection.
May we carry these insights into our daily lives, nurturing awareness, gratitude, and connection while honouring the richness of every faith.
May God bless us more with His light and guidance.
Until next time, may you be in Allah’s infinite Mercy and care.
Nasim Walji Pirmohamed
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