Many studies have shown that social isolation is increasingly spreading among adults in local communities, with the percentage reaching over 43%!
Many people find comfort in avoiding others; they love the moments that separate them from the world, and those dominated by silence. They find in solitude a safe refuge—not because they hate others, or feel superior to mingling with them, or fear their company—but because they enjoy their own companionship, seek to avoid suspicions, and steer clear of gossip and idle talk. Their isolation grants them the opportunity for contemplation and reflection, relaxation and breathing space, reordering of visions and thoughts, and effective communication with the self. They are lovers of small details and find joy in reflection and contemplation. To them, solitude is a world rich with meanings and emotions. These are the people who realize that isolation is salvation. Allah Almighty says: “So when he had left them and those they worshipped other than Allah, We gave him Isaac and Jacob, and each [of them] We made a prophet.” (Maryam: 49).
Those who love solitude are always able to find their balance; they choose when to engage with society and when to withdraw to recharge their souls in peace and tranquility.
Isolation Between Weakness and Serenity:
Isolation is a double-edged sword; it can either be a form of weakness and frailty—resulting from psychological defeat, a sense of helplessness, despair, and fear of mingling with people—which is the type of isolation the Prophet forbade. It is authentically reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: "The Muslim who mixes with the people and he is patient with their harm is better than the Muslim who does not mix with the people and is not patient with their harm." (Narrated by Ahmad and Al-Tirmidhi).
Or isolation can be a source of strength and serenity, through which a person seeks contemplation and reflection, granting the soul tranquility and peace, and protecting it from the temptations of the world, allowing one to return stronger and more balanced. Imam Ahmad narrated from Wahb who said: It is written in the wisdom of the family of David: "It is incumbent upon the intelligent person not to neglect four hours: an hour in which he privately supplicates his Lord, an hour in which he holds himself accountable, an hour in which he meets with his brothers who inform him of his faults and are truthful with him, and an hour in which he releases himself to his lawful desires—for in this hour there is aid for the other hours and refreshment for the heart."
From this wisdom, it becomes clear that the serenity type of isolation helps its practitioner in acts of obedience, facing the hardships of life, reaching aspirations, and achieving goals.
The Isolation of the People of the Cave:
One of the examples of isolation for the sake of serenity and strength is the isolation of the People of the Cave, who preferred living in seclusion rather than remaining in an environment filled with false beliefs and corrupt laws. They sought refuge in the cave, fleeing with their religion from trial and persecution. Allah Almighty says: “And when you have withdrawn from them and that which they worship other than Allah, retreat to the cave; your Lord will spread out for you of His mercy and will prepare for you from your affair facility.” (Al-Kahf: 16).
Their isolation was for tranquility and preservation of faith and monotheism. When they proved their sincerity, Allah honored them with a great miracle: they slept in their cave for 309 years, becoming a sign for the people. After their awakening, they witnessed the change in society and the spread of monotheism.
Their story serves as proof that isolation can be a means of attaining serenity, protecting oneself from misguidance and whims, and avoiding temptations and allurements. We also find in the Prophet ﷺ an example, for he would retreat to the Cave of Hira before the revelation to worship. It was narrated by Aisha may Allah be pleased with her that: "Then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family"
Ibn Hajar said in Fath al-Bari: “Al-Tahannuth means al-Tahannuf, i.e., following the religion of monotheism—the religion of Ibrahim peace be upon him.”
The Isolation of Imam Al-Ghazali:
The isolation of Imam Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali is considered one of the most significant milestones in his intellectual and spiritual journey because it represented a major turning point in his life. It was a response to the internal conflict he felt between the theoretical knowledge he had studied and practiced, and the depth of faith and genuine spiritual experience he sought.
Thus, the Imam gave up his prestigious academic position at the Nizamiyya School in Baghdad, withdrew from public life, and secluded himself for worship and contemplation, moving between Damascus, Jerusalem, and the Hijaz. He spent his time in seclusion and reflection, and his isolation lasted about eleven years. He sought to purify his heart, prepare himself, and recharge his energy.
He later returned to his hometown of Tus to continue his reflection and writing. Imam Al-Ghazali spoke about this isolation in his book "Deliverance from Error" saying: "The isolation lasted for eleven years, and this was a movement decreed by Allah Almighty, and one of His wondrous determinations which had not occurred to the heart beforehand... I sought to reform myself and others, yet I do not know whether I will reach my goal or be snatched away before achieving it. But I have certain and witnessed faith that there is no power and no strength except by Allah, the Most High, the Great. I did not move, but He moved me; I did not act, but He used me. I ask Him to first reform me, then to reform others through me, and to guide me, then to guide others through me, and to show me the truth as truth and grant me following it, and to show me falsehood as falsehood and grant me avoiding it."
In these words, Imam Al-Ghazali clarifies that the purpose of isolation was serenity, self-examination, reform, and seeking Allah's help with good faith and certainty.
This is the character of a believer: whenever the world confuses him, the earth narrows despite its vastness, and darkness spreads in his heart, he withdraws, revives his spirit, tightens his belt, and returns to his natural human disposition. Allah Almighty commands: “And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech – in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.” (Al-A'raf: 205). And Allah Almighty says: “Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to 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.’” (Al-Imran: 191).
Al-Ghazali did not completely sever himself from society; rather, his isolation was a journey in search of certainty and an attempt at self-reformation.
This experience later had a profound impact on Islamic thought.
Imam Al-Ghazali summarizes his view of isolation by saying: "If you find a companion whose sight and behavior remind you of Allah, stay with him and do not leave him. Value him and do not belittle him, for he is a gain for the believer and a treasure. Know that a righteous companion is better than solitude, and solitude is better than an evil companion."
Five Benefits of Isolation:
In a world filled with noise and temptations, isolation emerges as a source of serenity, contemplation, strength, and creativity—a tremendous opportunity to discover the self and develop skills and capabilities. Among the most prominent benefits of serene isolation are:
1. Increase in Acts of Worship:
Isolation provides a suitable, calm environment that helps in reflecting on the verses of Allah, self-accountability, and utilizing time for acts of worship such as night prayers, Qur'an recitation, supplication, and private supplication—all strengthening the connection with Allah Almighty. It also helps in avoiding prohibited acts such as gossip, slander, hypocrisy, and bad company.
2. Space for Creativity and Reflection:
Many scholars, thinkers, and religious figures have found in isolation an ideal environment for creativity and innovation, away from social pressures, noise, and external distractions.
3. Opportunity for Self-Development:
Through isolation, a person can discover his abilities and skills via reading and self-learning, enhancing his self-confidence, building independence, and improving decision-making skills.
4. Recharging Energy:
Isolation offers an opportunity for psychological relaxation and distancing from pressures, improving mental health, and granting the ability to face daily challenges with a positive spirit.
5. Strengthening the Relationship with the Self:
Many people get caught up in the whirlwind of life, ignoring their true selves, real desires, future goals, and sincere hopes.
Isolation gives them the chance for deep self-acquaintance and achieving internal balance, leading to more conscious decision-making.
Thus, we must distinguish between voluntary isolation—undertaken out of a desire for serenity, inner peace, recharging energy, setting priorities, and self-accountability—and negative, introverted isolation resulting from fear of mixing with people and an inability to deal with them.
It has been reported: "Solitude is better than evil company, and righteous company is better than solitude."
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