Chillah Kashi

(Seclusion, Spiritual retreat)

When the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), used to retreat in the mountain of Hira, during the early days of revelation, he used to carry food with him which will not perish for a week. Obviously, such food could not be meat. For this we derive the concept of

Tark-e –Haiwanat Jalali aur Jamali (vegetarianism).

What is a retreat? It is Itikaf (a retreat) which was practiced by the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) during the month of Ramadan. Some wives of the Holy Prophet used to practice retreat.

Some of our elders would do a retreat and practice the fast of Maryam ( A.S.) (Not talking). Zakariyya (AS) used to retreat and would not talk to anyone. In the stories of Musa (A.S), it is mentioned that he retreated for forty nights with some of his companions.

وَإِذْ وَاعَدْنَا مُوسَىٰ أَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةً

And [recall] when We made an appointment with Moses for forty nights (al-Baqara 2:51)

Some people go to retreat for a week or two, or even three days. Retreat can be of one day too. In the Hanafi school, one is supposed to be in the state of fasting and present in the mosque for the retreat. According to the Shafi School, one can retreat for even a small amount of time. Everyone goes to the mosque. One should make an intention of retreat during this time.

Retreat allows full concentration towards the worship and provides clarity and focus to the mind.

In our times, some special men of God, spend two to three months in retreat and practice fast of Maryam (A.S). Distracted thoughts and wandering hearts do not get much benefit from the worship. However, if one practices an angelic tradition of not talking to anyone, and avoids carnivorous practices, it brings blessings.