Khalwa (Sufism)

Khalwa(Arabic:خلوة,alsokhalwat;lit., "solitude"; pronounced inIran,"khalvat"; spelling inTurkish,halvet) has several meanings inSufism,Islamic jurisprudence, and theDruzereligion, which in some way derive from the concept of being alone or withdrawing from the world.

Sufism

Main article:Retreat (spiritual) § Sufi retreats or spiritual khalwa

InSufism,a solitaryretreat,traditionally forforty days,during which a disciple does extensive spiritual exercises under the direction of ashaykh.

A Sufimuridwill enter the khalwa spiritual retreat under the direction of a shaykh for a given period, sometimes for as long as 40 days, emerging only forsalah(daily prayers) and, usually, to discuss dreams, visions and live with the shaykh. Once a major element of Sufi practice, khalwa has become less frequent in recent years.

It is the act of total self-abandonment in desire for the Divine Presence. In complete seclusion, the Sufi continuously repeats the name of God as a highest form ofdhikr,remembrance of God. Then, "Almighty God will spread before him the degrees of the kingdom as a test".

Other Sufi uses include:

• A religious school is known as akhalwainSudanese Arabic.This reflects the former dominance of Sufism in the Sudan.
• TheKhalwati order(Halveti) of Sufism derives its name from the term "khalwa".

See also

• The White Days